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Article: China's Olympic standard: Win gold or go home High expectations come with heavy investment
- Article from:
- International Herald Tribune
- Article date:
- June 2, 2008
- Author:
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Juliet Macur The New York Times Media Group
International Herald Tribune
06-02-2008
China's Olympic standard: Win gold or go home High expectations come with heavy investment
Byline: Juliet Macur The New York Times Media Group
Edition: 3
Section: NEWS
QIANDAO LAKE, China --
Jimmy Wang contributed reporting and Andrew W. Lehren contributed research.
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When Igor Grinko, a former Soviet coach with an impressive resume, agreed to take over the Chinese rowing team four years ago, Olympic officials outlined their expectations with a simple equation: One gold equals 1,000 silvers.
"Silver? It means nothing here; you might as well finish last," Grinko said. "Coaches like me come, help them win gold ...