China's two famous athletes Yao Ming (L) and Liu Xiang attend a one-year countdown ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, August 8, 2007. The 2008 Olympic Games will kick of in Beijing on August 8 next year.

China's two famous athletes Yao Ming (L) and Liu Xiang shake hands during a one-year countdown ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, August 8, 2007.

China's two famous athletes Yao Ming (L) and Liu Xiang attend a one-year countdown ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, August 8, 2007.

China's two famous athletes Yao Ming (L) and Liu Xiang answer questions from the press during a one-year countdown ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, August 8, 2007.

(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2007)