Fencing.net has been referenced in news in China now.  The Chinese Fencing Association (CFA) backpedaled on a vow by a senior fencing official that China would win a gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games.  In the article that the CFA referenced, China Guarantees a Gold Medal at the Beijing Olympics, I reported that:

[Wang Jian, leader of the Chinese national fencing team, said:] “Our aim is to win at least a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics and we have that strength.”  Another senior fencing official also vowed that China will clinch it’s second Olympic title in Beijing.

In the article, put forth by China View:

CFA head Ji Daoming said they are to strive for gold medals at the Beijing Olympics but they don’t want to guarantee anything so as to lay less meaningless pressure on the fencers as preparing for the Games.

Now, the point of my original article was that the CFA was snubbing a regional event, setting their sights on the World Championships and sending messages for the ‘08 Olympic Games.  China has the personel and coaching in place to capitalize on their recent success and win an Olympic Gold medal.  The CFA seems to be working to keep their fencers’ heads on straight by coming out and publicly stating that there is now no expectation of a gold medal.

You can read the full article from China View at: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-10/31/content_6984137.htm