22 - Chen Yanqing

Born: April 5, 1979 in Suzhou, Jiangsu

Entry: 58kg

Credentials: Gold at Athens 2004, world record holder

Why she'll win: To prove the system works. Nearly everyone thought Chen was finished when wrist and back injuries forced a halt to her career in 2005. But the defending 58kg class Olympic champion came back in a determined manner in 2006, grabbing gold at the Doha Asian Games with a world record-shattering performance. She has since gone unbeaten in major events at home and abroad, despite the rise of new stars, including Qiu Hongmei. Born to a poor family of fruit farmers, Chen is an example of how sporting success can change lives. She was picked by authorities to represent Jiangsu province at the 17th Communist Party Congress and although she left school at an early age to train, she has been awarded a full scholarship for a psychology masters programme at Suzhou University.

Who can stop her: Marina Shainova (Russia), O Jong-ae

(North Korea)

Final: Monday 11th