Yao would give anything for an Olympic medal
Yao Ming yesterday admitted he was prepared to go to extreme lengths to secure a medal at next year's Beijing Olympics, saying he would even risk his health.
'I would not hesitate over any sacrifice required to win a medal in Beijing,' the China team mainstay and Houston Rockets centre said in the capital.
As proof of his commitment, he said he had put on hold plans for shoulder surgery until after the 2008 Games so as to enjoy a smooth build-up to the tournament. He said he would rely instead on physical therapy to get him through, rather than be burdened by the expected six-month rehabilitation he would have to undergo if he had the operation.
'The right shoulder problem has been getting worse over the past season but I can't afford to lose precious time to the lengthy post-operation recovery ahead of the most important tournament in my career,' he said.
The 27-year-old hoopster also voiced concern over the stand-off between his national teammate Yi Jianlian's representatives and NBA franchise the Milwaukee Bucks, who picked the young forward in the draft last week but have struggled to convince him to commit to a contract.
'I am not in a position to comment on his managers' handling of the matter but I'm worried the troubles will continue,' said Yao. 'I have to say, skill-wise, Yi is way more gifted than I am. Any waste of such a talent would be a great loss to the sport.'
Earlier, Yao told Titan Sports that he had advised Yi, a 2.12-metre power forward, to accept the Bucks offer. 'There's no such thing as a perfect team to play for,' Yao said. 'You have to take it in your stride as a rookie.'
