China's star male gymnast Li Xiaopeng has set himself an ambitious target for the Athens Olympics - matching the three gold medals won by compatriot Li Ning at the Los Angeles Games 20 years ago.
Hunan-born Li, 22, the 2003 World Gymnast of the Year, aims to emulate his idol by winning gold medals in the parallel bars, the pommel horse and the men's team event.
'It would be fantastic if I could come away with gold medals in my three events,' said Li.
Li already has two Olympic golds from the 2000 Sydney Games, and has an impeccable record in the international arena. He is just one shy of his idol's 14 World Championship and Olympic gold medals, which the latter achieved through a stellar career that ended after the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
But for Li, gymnast-turned-entrepreneur Li Ning remains the gold standard.
'Li Ning has always been my idol ever since I took up gymnastics as a kid and I always wanted to be like him. I think I have a chance to emulate his three gold medals in one Olympics.'
Together with teammate Yang Wei - the Olympic silver medallist in the all-round event in Sydney - Li is almost certain to shine in his second Olympics and looms as the gymnast to watch in Athens.