Liu Xuan
Prior to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Liu Xuan (刘璇) was one of China's most successful female gymnasts. She took up gymnastics with the encouragement from her mom, who had to cease gymnastics training when she was younger because of the closure of her gym during the Cultural Revolution. After a disappointing showing in the 1996 Olympics, Liu decided to continue in gymnastics for another four years in order to fulfill her and her mother's dream of winning an Olympic medal. Liu was successful at the 2000 Olympics Games in Sydney, Australia, winning the gold medal on the balance beam, bronze in the all-around, and leading a young Chinese to team bronze as well. She was China's first Olympic champion on balance beam, and first all-around medalist.
