Taiwan's hopes for gold remain high

The Kaohsiung-based lifter became world champion in the women's 53kg, with a combined total of 215kg, sweeping all three gold medals in Athens last year.

The weightlifting competition consists of the clean and jerk, snatch and combined total, with medals in each category.

Due to the insistence of the International Olympic Committee -- under threat of China's withdrawal -- Taiwan competes as Chinese Taipei. Taiwan first competed in the modern games as the Republic of China in 1956, but in 1960 was required to attend as Taiwan/Formosa. In 1964, it again paraded as the ROC, and it was not until 1968 in Mexico City, once again as the ROC, with Chi Cheng (紀政) winning the bronze in the women's 80m hurdles, did Taiwan win its first Olympic medal.

Taiwan first competed as Chinese Taipei in 1980 and has done so ever since.

Taiwan has yet to win a gold medal. In 10 attempts since 1956, Taiwan has only managed three silver and two bronze medals.

Desperate for national honor abroad, the government has initiated a generous reward scheme. An athlete winning a gold medal will receive NT$10 million, a silver will garner NT$6 million and a bronze NT$4 million.