Young athletes dazzle in pool, on two wheels

New blood keeps Chinese delegation pumped up for more success in Paris

China, known as a diving superpower, has earned bragging rights for its "bicycle kingdom "status as well, landing historic gold with a victory on two wheels at the Paris Olympics.

Competing in elite sports involves athletes defying gravity quite often, though perhaps few of Deng Yawen's peers have dazzled with the same level of complication as she did on her bike on Wednesday in Paris.

With bar spins, high-flying flips and then the killer trick of double tail whips — twice, no less — the Chinese favorite Deng, a runner-up in qualifications, brought oohs and aahs from the crowd at the La Concorde in the heart of Paris. She executed her second run almost flawlessly to score a field-high 92.6 points and finish on top of the podium in the BMX freestyle park final.