China face tough choice between Yang and Chen

Yang Lian(Hunan) vs. Chen Xiexia(PLA)Photo Gallery>>(BEIJING, June 19) -- China is determined to win the first gold medal of the Beijing Olympic Games. They just aren't sure who should go get it.

With only one spot available to the host nation in Women's 48kg Weightlifting, China is facing a tough decision between athletes Yang Lian and Chen Xiexia.

Yang grabbed three gold medals in the 1996 World Weightlifting Championships, while Chen impressed decision makers with her remarkable performance two months ago at the National Championships, where she bested Yang.

Chinese team officials feel that winning the first Olympic gold medal awarded on Chinese soil would be a big morale boost for the entire Chinese team.