Fortunately, China is abundant with gymnastics talent, and young stars have already filled Li's giant shoes. Without Li, who is considered the most successful Chinese gymnast together with Li Ning, the Chinese team is still capable of dominating the competition like it has in the last two Worlds, earning back-to-back titles in men's team, men's individual all-around, pommel horse and rings.
"This is our best Olympic preparation ever," Zhang said. "Apart from Li, none of the team is troubled by injuries. They can put their best efforts into the coming winter training camp."
To help prevent injuries, the center has also hired a back-up team of psychologists and dozens of masseurs from around the country. Elite gymnasts are also examined once a week at Peking University Third Hospital, which is known for its sports rehabilitation.
The contracts also suggest the team, which is already performing some of the most difficult routines in the world, is trying to reach a balance between its level difficulty and its level of stability before next year's all-important show.
"We will mainly go for stability during the winter training," Zhang said. "I hope we can do it safely and smoothly."
Careless drug offenses are another major concern for the Chinese camp, so gymnasts will sign contracts forbidding drug use as well.
"I do not mean our gymnasts will take drugs intentionally, but I am just afraid that they might take them by mistake, such as unauthorized nutritious medicines," Zhang said.
"The purpose of signing the contract is to give all gymnasts a warning and to avoid any accidents."
Although injury cast a shadow over Li Xiaopeng's Olympic prospects, there was better news for Lu Bin, the 28-year-old veteran who returned strongly from his Achilles tendon injury to win four gold medals at the Good Luck invitational.
The tournament was the first competition since the injury for Lu, who was sidelined for 14 months, but he performed as if he had never left, finishing first in men's rings, vault, pommel horse and men's team.
"That is a remarkable achievement," Zhang said, heaping praise upon Lu. "Faced with serious injury, he did not give up. I just love that spirit, and that will inspire the whole team to better prepare for the Olympic Games."
Lu's comeback put him back into a heated race for an Olympic ticket on the Chinese men's team.
"Lu's good form is a big stimulation for the team. Every gymnast will feel the pressure and realize he will be eliminated if he doesn't work hard enough," said Zhang.
Currently, the team named a preliminary 10-member squad. The list will be shortened to six before the 2008 Games.
"The chance is 50-50 for everyone," Zhang said. "Even Lu knows only next year's form counts."
