On 27 December we attended a relaxed evening in the luxurious “Golf Central” in Oriental Plaza (it’s in the basement, access next to the Hyatt Hotel) – to meet and mingle again with many famous China sport medalists (I was the only foreigner…). They are gymnasts, ice skating athletes and others. I’ve met them already a couple of times and they are very nice, without big egos.
One reason being there is my history with the Beijing Olympics, the other one is that I am involved in a Chinese company, building and managing several golf courses. And no, I do not play golf. I also did not try the installation in Golf Central as a golf swing is not that good for my back.
We chatted with Huang Xu, a famous gymnast from Jiangsu Province (born 4 Feb 1979 – 162 cm). He couldn’t swing much either as he is still recovering from the grueling training and competition, putting a heavy strain on all joints. His specialties are pommel horse and parallel bars.
His impressive record:
– 2000 Olympics Gold Medal – Men’s Team Combined Exercises (artistic gymnastics)
– 2008 Olympics Gold Medal – Men’s Team Combined Exercises (artistic gymnastics)
– World Championships Gold medals: 1997 – 1999 – 2003 – 2007
(and more…)
He intends to retire after next year’s World Championship and hopes to study again and learn English. His dream: to become a coach, trainer or judge.

Pictured: with Huang Xu (blue vest) and many other medalists; Huang Xu trying a swing for the fun; a view on the installations in Central Golf