Li inspired gymnasts with his high-wire act

BEIJING — It was a magical moment, and it's worth taking a moment to revisit. China's "Prince of Gymnastics," Li Ning, was suspended in mid-air, traveling around National Stadium at the end of Friday's Opening Ceremony. His act was the final one of a brilliant visual performance and it was capped by the ceremonial lighting of the Olympic flame. A day later, the Chinese gymnasts carried that amazing image with them as they took to the floor at National Indoor Stadium. For sure, Li's six medals (golds in the floor exercise, pommel horse and rings) at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Games were in the back of their minds, too. Li set the standard of excellence that all Chinese gymnasts will be measured by. Asked about how the 44-year-old Li's stunning spectacle inspired them, Chinese gymnast Zou Kai responded by saying, "The feeling... [read full story]