>Softball star Jennie Finch said she, like his Chinese fans, was disappointed not to be able to see hurdling star Liu Xiang compete at the Games.

>Softball star Jennie Finch, the gold medalist of  the Athens Olympic Games, poses for photographer. [China Daily]

>Speaking to China Daily before her semi-final match on August 20, she said: "I think it is very unfortunate Liu had to withdraw. He is one of the best, so I was looking forward to seeing him at his best competing. Unfortunately, injuries happen and you can`t control everything."

>"You know, one thing I love about softball is that it`s a team sport. You play 10 days and it`s not one day, one event, one 30 seconds stint and it`s over. There is a lot of pressure with individual sports, especially for the Olympics."

>It is the 27-year-old`s second trip to >>Beijing. She was here in 2006 for the World Softball Championships, and took her three-month son with her to visit the Great Wall, and >Forbidden City.

Jennie Finch of the US pitches to Venezuela during a women`s preliminaries softball game at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in this August 12, 2008 file photo. [Agencies]

>Due to her hectic schedule, Finch did not have enough time to fully explore the city of >>Beijing in 2006.

>This time, however she seems to have noticed a lot more. In particular, she said: "The city is absolutely beautiful, very clean>， >and we`ve really enjoyed our visit here. All the venues are absolutely amazing, which is pretty incredible. The local people have been super nice, and very hospitable and they are very excited to have us here. It`s exciting to see they love sports and the Olympics."

>Facing her semi-final on August 20, Finch exudes great confidence in her team. "Our plan is to win the gold medal. We`ve worked really hard. Hopefully, we will be much stronger than the Japanese team."> 

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>In fact, Finch even has a plan for what to do with her gold medal should she win it. She wants to share it with others, especially children across the world. By so doing, she strives to inspire others, which she considers to be the most meaningful value of winning a gold medal.

US President George W. Bush holds up a softball jersey presented to him by US Olympic softball player Jennie Finch (R) at a photo opportunity with US Olympic athletes bound for Beijing in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, July 21, 2008. [Agencies]

>"Last time I won the gold medal (at the Athens Olympic Games), I traveled with it and shared it with children all over the world, hopefully to inspire them to dream big and believe in their dreams. The best thing about having a gold medal is being able to share it with other people," Finch said..

>Speaking of her impressions of the opening ceremony in >>Beijing, she said: "It was my first opening ceremony and it was absolutely incredible; breath-taking and amazing. It`s so exciting to see all the other countries walking in and seeing their flags."

>Nevertheless, Finch intends to pack her bag and leave for home right after the competition. After all, it`s tough for her to stay away from her husband and son for too long. "My family has been my backbone. They support me completely and never complain. I miss them so much and I will leave on the 23rd to be a good mom and wife."

>> Finch expressed her gratitude towards the Chinese people, saying "I appreciate all the hard work and dedication they have put in to put on such an incredible Games. Thank you so much for your support, and for your hospitality. This Olympics has been incredible!">  

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