Chinese Walker Uncertain of Chances at 2004 Games

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, April 01, 2002

Chinese Walker Uncertain of Chances at 2004 Games

Wang Liping, who won China's only athletics gold medal at the Sydney Olympic Games, has played down her chances to compete at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

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Wang Liping, who won China's only athletics gold medal at the Sydney Olympic Games, has played down her chances to compete at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

In Bad Form

"I certainly would like to compete in Athens and this year's Asian Games, but I am not sure if I can still maintain good form at that time," she was quoted as saying by the Chinese Sports Daily on Monday.

Having started the preparation for the 2004 Games, Chinese athletics authorities pin great hope on Wang, who won the Olympic women's 20km walk race at Sydney.

But Wang said that she has been near to a spent force after engaging herself in such big events as Olympics, World Championships and National Games.

"I am in such a bad form that I can not follow the training sessions," she said. "It is even hard to say if I would compete at this year's Asian Games."

Hope to Go to University

Wang, 26, did not suggest if she will retire but revealed that she would go to university in the future.

"So far I am still an athlete, but in the future, if possible, I hope to go to university," she said.

"I have received the invitation letters from some colleges but I could not spare time to do that," she added.

To Get Married soon

In addition, the Olympic champion has been preparing for her marriage.

"I am no longer young, I will get married on May 1," she said. "My husband is also a walk racer, and has just retired after the national games late last year."

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