China makes bright start to medal quest, despite a shock
Pocket dynamo Chen Xiexia was the toast of China as she won its first gold medal at the Beijing Olympics yesterday, in weightlifting. A pistol shooter won a second gold, making up for a shock loss by the country's top riflewoman.
Twenty-five-year-old Chen, from Panyu , Guangdong - the reigning world champion in the women's 48kg category - cruised to victory, lifting 13kg more than the silver medallist, Sibel Ozkan of Turkey. Chen Wei-ling won a surprise bronze for Taiwan.
Chen, who set two Olympic records, played down her victory, saying: 'This first gold is no different to the other golds won by China.'
Chen's father was jubilant.
'She wins the honour for our family. We are all proud of her,' Chen Xiquan said.