The hometown of Chen Xiexia at Dayou Village of Panyu District, Guangzhou, was swept by cheers and applauses When the weightlifter fetched China's first gold medal at the Beijing Olympics on Saturday.

Chen's parents appeared quite calm, just like their 25-year-old daughter's performance in her Olympic debut in the women's 48kg class final.

"I keenly hoped [for her success], but I watched the game calmly," said the father, Chen Xiquan.

The ordinary two-storey home of the new Olympic champion and the area in front of it have been crowded with her home villagers, her relatives from outside Guangzhou and journalists since the early morning.

Villagers set off firecrackers when Chen finally jerked 117kg for a winning total of 212kg, a new Olympic record, and some climbed onto rooftops to wave national flags to express their joy.

Banners for the celebration, prepared in advance, were hung up, while the traditional lion dance, usually reserved for major festivals and holidays, was staged.

Some relatives scaled a longan tree next to the house and collected the fruits for their guests.

Two daughters of Chen's elder brother, 12 and 7 respectively, said their aunt was now an icon for both of them.

"Our aunt has claimed an Olympic gold medal! I'm feeling happier than during the spring festival (the Chinese lunar new year)," said the elder girl.

"She is very tough and hardworking, and I hope I can follow her example if possible, because I'm also good at sports," she added.

Zhong Chencan, Chen's coach at a training school in Guangzhou, said her performance on Saturday was perfect, and her success was a result of a stable mental state and good skills.

Li Bingming, Chen's first coach who began to train her since she was 8, said she had an outgoing personality since her childhood. "She never hesitated to ask questions, though she was the youngest among all the trainees, and she was quick in learning new skills."

"She always performed better in real competition than in training due to her calmness."

Chen's father, a plain farmer, said the family would buy some shrimps to celebrate the victory. Shrimp is also the favorite food of Chen, said the father.

(Xinhua News Agency August 9, 2008)