In Athens, Chinese Taipei rower Wang Ming made his Olympic debut. In Beijing four years later, Wang sets his target beyond, not only as a rower but a teacher.
Wang finished with a 25th place in the men's single sculls in Athens on his Olympic debutant tour. "Now in Beijing, of course, I hope for a better result. I hope to squeeze into the top 12," said the sole rower representing Chinese Taipei in the Beijing Games.
Twelfth place is not good enough for a profession rower, but Wang told Xinhua on Tuesday the goal is what he is able to reach.
"I began practicing in Beijing yesterday, and my current form is not too bad. I hope to be on the water in my best shape after the competition kicks off," said the 23-year-old.
In March this year, Wang went to Shanghai and trained with the Shanghai rowing team. In April, Wang took part in the 2008 Asian Olympic Qualification Regatta and won a berth for the Beijing Olympic Games.
Apart from putting on a better show in Beijing, Wang also sets his target beyond Beijing.
"I want to become a rowing coach."
To achieve the goal, Wang started studying Sports Management and Education. "I will go back to my high school to teach the students rowing after the Games. My younger brother will also be one of my students."
Wang's brother used to take up the sport of handball, but has switched to rowing under Wang's influence.
"He aims to surpass me in the future Olympics," said Wang.
Wang has not decided if he will participate in 2012 London Games. "But I will surely go for the Guangzhou Asian Games in two years," he added.
(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2008)