Globe and Mail has a profile of champion fencer Jujie Luan, who at the age of 50 will be competing in Beijing after winning the gold for China in Los Angeles 24 years ago:
Ms. Luan – the grand dame of fencing, the old lady of foil once described to Canadians as the Gordie Howe of China – is not alone in making the Olympic pilgrimage home.
A contingent of Canadians who will be competing in table tennis, shooting and swimming next month also have Chinese roots. Ms. Luan says she is proud of her homeland, and visits often, and wanted to take part in China’s grand introduction to the world. And she – along with athletes such as NBA star Yao Ming – will generate an unprecedented frenzy when she arrives in Beijing.
It has been an epic journey, now coming full circle.