Veterans of valor

Xiao Ruoteng

(Gymnastics)

Xiao captured the crown in the men's all-around title at the 2017 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships and led China to a team gold at the 2018 worlds. Despite nursing nagging injuries at the Tokyo Olympics, Xiao took an all-around silver, a floor exercise bronze and a team bronze. He has long been considered the backbone of China's national squad, with the ability to withstand pressure and steady the team at key moments. Xiao came up short at the Jakarta Games with one silver and two bronze medals. After a lengthy injury layoff, the 27-year-old has set his sights high for Hangzhou.