Childbirth has not deflated Athens champion Xian Dongmei's Olympic aspirations.
Ten months after returning to action from maternity leave, China's star judoka has already racked up back-to-back World Cup wins this year and looks a dead cert for Beijing 2008.
The 33-year-old, winner of the 52kg division at the 2004 Olympics, took the nation's first judo world title of the year at the Super World Cup in Paris last month. She then triumphed at the following World Cup event in Budapest, extending her winning streak from national Olympic qualifier December's.
China's sporting super mom also helped the country win the women's title at the World Team Championship in Beijing in November after resuming training only six months earlier.
'I am still very competitive and I have a lot of experience. Now I feel I am a step closer to the Beijing Olympics," she said.
Her stunning comeback, akin to those of American tennis great Lindsay Davenport and British marathon queen Paula Radcliffe, makes Xian a rare figure in China's sporting circles.
"You may find a lot of moms during the international competitions, but usually Chinese athletes choose to retire after giving birth.
"I am the only 'mommy judoka' in China," she beamed.
Her comeback was hardly easy. She had to shed 20-plus kg in a few months and overcome the pain caused by having three nails inserted into her body to fix her patella. But the worst part was missing her daughter, who lives with Xian's husband in Guangdong. Apart from daily phone calls, the judoka had to make do with watching her infant's development via an online video after each training session.
"I like to challenge myself," she said. "And I don't want to miss the once-a-life-time opportunity of competing at these Olympics on my doorstep.
"As long as I step on the mat, I am prepared."
However, she is facing stiff competition from her teammates as China is only allowed to send one athlete in her weight class, which also includes 2003 and 2005 world champion Li Ying and reigning world champion Shi Junjie.
After the Budapest World Cup, China rested the in-from Xian and sent Li to take part in the Super World Cup in Hamburg. Li proved her ability by winning the title with ease.
The message is clear: The berth is still up for grabs for both top-class judoka are both medal favorites in Beijing.
Xian currently leads the race after winning the qualifier in December, but some argue that she is too old to compete in Beijing.
Many others still have faith in her, especially national team coach Fu Guoyi.
"She is very close to the level which helped her win at the 2004 Olympics," Fu said. "As a top jukoda, one's mind and experience are crucial. I think age is not a problem if we can keep her fit in training."
Cheng Zhishan, former head coach of China's women's team, and Tang Ling, the women's 78kg winner, also stand firmly behind Xian.
"Technically she is so good. She is the best in the world,' Cheng said.
But Xian knows the risks that may ruin her Olympic dream - stamina and injuries.
"I see myself as my biggest rival. I don't have the same body I had in 2004 so I need to do more."
