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RIO DE JANEIRO -- Lovesick. Goofy. Flamboyant. Not usually words youd associate with Chinas Olympic team.In Rio, however, a new generation of Chinese Olympians are breaking the mold and shaking up social media.Theres diver Qin Kai, who walked up to the podium with a ring and a rose to propose to his girlfriend He Zi during her Olympic medal ceremony. Was Qin a true romantic or an entitled man gatecrashing a womans big moment? It depends on your view. Whats certain is that his gesture would have been unimaginable even a few years ago.A swimmer who makes faces in interviews and doesnt know when shes won a medal, a table-tennis player who snoozes at the venue, a weightlifter with gleaming gold shoes and a tendency to celebrate prematurely all have made a splash in Rio.Chinese fans call them the mudslides, and they are changing the colorless mainstream.The success of Internet technology has forged a new generation of young Chinese athletes whose mind is much more self-centered, who really enjoy the game itself, who always talk of `me, in sharp contrast with older athletes, who are always ready to talk about `we, the collective interests of the Party and the nation, Beijing-based analyst Shi Shusi told The Associated Press.For decades seen as the humorless products of a state production line, Chinese athletes were ruthlessly on-message at the games, with the Communist Party and their coaches receiving the plaudits after every success, while athletes lambasted themselves for failures.Athletes from a new generation raised with social media and a growing focus on individual rights face looser restrictions on self-expression at the Olympics. Their fans increasingly denounce old-style statements of state loyalty as fake and demand authenticity. Even the Communist Party is getting on board.More expressive athletes have changed the single goal of our chasing after Olympic golds, have changed the stereotypes of the Chinese athletes but injected new meanings into Chinese sports, the partys civilization-building arm said in an editorial on its website.Queen of the mudslides is swimmer Fu Yuanhui, whose exaggerated facial expressions, pop-culture references and enthusiastic style in interviews have made her a darling of social media back home. Cartoons of Fu smiling and sticking her tongue out have gone viral on messaging apps as emojis, as has video of her finding out shed won bronze from a TV interviewer after shed blamed her short arms for letting her down.I never thought so many people could like me. It puts me under a lot of pressure, she said of her millions of new social media followers. Fu even broke a taboo by admitting she wasnt up to her best in a relay because she was on her period.In the normally staid world of weightlifting, Lyu Xiaojun brings Usain Bolt-style swagger. Wearing shiny gold shoes like those of the Jamaican sprinter, Lyu is a showman on the stage, with grins and little nods of the heads when he makes a lift, as if to say: I got this.In the past, nothing less than gold was good enough for China, but Lyu is more laid-back. Instead of being heartbroken to lose out to a Kazakh rival for gold on Wednesday, and even though hed started celebrating before the competition was over, Lyu was charitable in defeat. It was quite an honor to participate in an Olympic Games again. Thats one of the reasons I was smiling all the way, he said. Bashfully, he admitted his flashy footwear -- specially made by a friend who expected me to win gold -- no longer fit the occasion.Sometimes, the crowd-pleasing gestures go wrong. When Sun Yang celebrated his swimming gold medal, he tried to throw his cap to the crowd but flicked it into the pool and had to fish it out before trying again. Still, that didnt dampen the love from his fans.With Chinas sports marketing industry having gone through a revolution of its own in recent years, athletes who make a name for themselves can also expect greater endorsement opportunities if their personality resonates.Unlike older Chinese athletes who grew up watching only the team efforts of the state system, those in Rio also had individual stars like Li Na on the tennis court or Yao Ming in the NBA.Those two fought opposition within the state training system to play around the world and become the first Chinese athletes with a truly global profile. Lis candid style, deadpan delivery and willingness to share personal details made her a favorite with fans worldwide.After reaching her first Grand Slam final in Australia in 2011, there was no praise of the Party in her on-court interview, but plenty of mockery of her husbands snoring. I always wake up every hour, you know, she quipped, cementing her reputation as a goofy new star.Chinese fans on social media are turning their favorite athletes into superstars in the worlds most populous nation, but when angered theyre a force to be reckoned with.After a public feud between Chinese swim star Sun and Australias Mack Horton, who didnt hide his distaste at Suns 2014 doping ban, Chinese fans bombarded Hortons Instagram page with angry comments. When Rio organizers used an inaccurate flag for China, the fans ripped Brazilians as incompetent.There are signs that the new attitudes are spreading to once-rigid Chinese sports officials, too. Chinas team has been the talk of the Rio velodrome not just for their first-ever gold medal but the elegant portraits of historical and legendary figures on their helmets.In Rio, Chinas not the medal factory it used to be -- chances of beating the U.S. in the medal table are fading fast -- but it certainly has attitude.---Tang reported from Phoenix. John Leicester in Rio de Janeiro and AP news researcher Dong Tongjian in Beijing contributed.Cheap Basketball College Jerseys .2 billion agreement with Rogers Communications for the leagues broadcast and multimedia rights. Fake NCAA Jerseys . -- Jacksonville wide receiver Cecil Shorts will likely be a game-time decision whether hell play Sunday in the Jaguars home game against the San Diego Chargers. https://www.chinajerseysncaa.us/ . Canada is now down to its 22-player limit, although but players wont be registered until Christmas Day. Changes could still be made as a result of a suspension or injury. 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When he suffered a fibrillating heart in December 2013 I thought that would be the end of him and until this autumn he looked a shadow of his former self; it appeared that the old spark had been extinguished. However, he has improved with each win this season and his defeat of Un De Sceaux brought a tear to my eye. Nico De Boinville has struck up such a special partnership with the horse too and knows him better than anyone having been his work rider from the start. Sticking with Willie Mullins, what a week! Annie Powers win in the Champion Hurdle was another that sits well with me. I had said beforehand that it would be a disgrace if a mare of her calibre was to never win at the Cheltenham Festival. Not only did she win, but she pulverised the boys and the fact she beat my selection My Tent Or Yours didnt take any of the shine off it (Id backed him each-way so there was some consolation). Whilst the decision to run Vautour in the Ryanair was a controversial one, the horse was imperious and who knows what would have happened if he had run in the Gold Cup. As for Vroum Vroum, she looked outstanding didnt she? She has yet to be extended and the world looks to be her oyster. The good news is that Rich Ricci is planning to keep all three of his Festival-winning mares in training so we will see Annie, Vroum Vroum and Limini again next season. I was also pleased to see Martin Keighley win the Cross Country race with Any Currency. Martin is a really likeable trainer and has had his share of ups and downs. I dont think anyone would begrudge him a Festival winner and I hope it helps to attract him some new owners. Likewise I was delighted to see Nigel Twiston-Davies saddle a double with Blaklion in the RSA Chase and Ballyandy in the Bumper. The raw emotion that connections show is really engaging and Nige shouting his first winner home was great to see.Im cross with myself for deserting Ivanovich Gorbatov in the Triumph. For weeks I had been putting him up, despite his flop at Leopardstown in February, but I jumped ship and paid the price. Dan Skelton provided further proof he is a champion in waiting with his first Festival winner. His father (famous show jumper) Nick has put his faith in him and Harry and is being rewarded. Nick looked as proud as punch after the win of Superb Story in the County Hurdle and it was memorable from my point of view too because I backed him.High and lows in the Gold Cup, I felt so sorry for everyone involved with Cue Card who was travelling as well as anything when crashing out three from home. I imagine Paddy Brennan has beaten himself up about the fall, but these things happen and they live to fight another day. The horse just changed his mind and tried to put a shorty in at the fence and ploughed through the top of it. I saw him walk back in afterwards and was relieved to see he looked okay. Don Cossack is a stunning horse with the ability to match. Gordon Elliott had a mixed week and I was gutted for him to lose No More Heroes, but to win this was a fabulous result for the stable. Sky Racing Tickets Fast, secure racing tickets: Exclusive racing offers near you 2. If pushed to have a 2017 Cheltenham wager today, what would it be and why?As soon as Thistlecrack cleared the last flight of hurdles I messaged a friend of mine to suggest they back him straight away for next years Gold Cup. As hes now 8/1 second favourite with Sky Bet I wish Id taken my own advice! There was no initial indication that the Gold Cup would be the plan in the immediate aftermath, but he is a tall horse and if hes to go chasing it needs to be sooner rather than later. I was told when I first started out in racing that if you leave it to eight to nine years old to send a hurdler over fences they never quite adapt. Well, hes eight this year and now is the time. However, despite general opinion being that he jumped his hurdles well, I thought he wasnt quite respecting his obstacles as much as youd like and he certainly isnt one of those horses that just skims over the top of them in a neat, efficient way. I think a fence will be the making of him; which seems a silly thing to say for a World Hurdle winner and he has apparently already schooled over fences. Given the gut-wrenching fall of Cue Card for the Tizzards in what was possibly his last real shot at the Blue Riband, it is exciting to think they have a horse of his calibre (if not better) waiting to take over the staying chase mantle. Ill admit I wasnt convinced about his chance in the World Hurdle because I thought he could be vulnerable on the better ground, but he looked like an absolute machine. As soon as Thistlecrack cleared the last flight of hurdles I messaged a friend of mine to suggest they back him straight away for next years Gold Cup. As hes now 8/1 second favourite with Sky Bet I wish Id taken my own advice! I was going to suggest getting on Faugheen for next years Champion Hurdle, but at 2/1 I think we can afford to wait! Maybe we should be backing Victoria Pendleton to win the Foxhunters?! The admirable Pacha Du Polder is 25/1 for next years contest, but who knows if she will get the chance to ride him again. Ridden the wway he was, he looked like he stayed the trip well and I wouldnt be averse to backing him to stay it in the future.dddddddddddd Victoria has done a magnificent job over the past year and for any non-riders out there I can tell you what she has achieved is nothing short of astonishing. Any of us could learn to ride a bike round a velodrome, albeit slowly, but to learn to ride from scratch as she has done and to take the inevitable falls along the way without losing your bottle, takes some doing. She showed admirable qualities and remained poised and professional throughout the last year in the manner you would expect of an Olympian and I applaud her.3. In the Crabbies Grand National or otherwise, which Festival runner are you likely to be following at Aintree next month?Well it would be some consolation if Cue Card were to win the Bowl and he is 4/6 favourite with Sky Bet to do so. One of the biggest eyecatchers of the week was Pacha Du Polder who stayed on well up the Cheltenham hill under Victoria Pendleton. He is entered in the Fox Hunter Chase and the Topham at Aintree. The drop back in trip would be ideal and he jumps like a stag. Hes 5/1 for the Foxhunter and 16s for the Topham. Vautour would be hard to beat if he turns up in the Melling Chase and his price of 4/9 reflects that. Likewise Annie Power in the Aintree Hurdle should she run there; shes 1/2 favourite. Thistlecrack and Cole Harden look set for another clash in the Liverpool Hurdle on National day, but on the evidence of Cheltenham the World Hurdle winner will take some stopping.4. The All-Weather Championship Finals, now in its third year, comes to a head at Lingfield Park on Friday. Which horses do you fancy to give us all an Easter bonus?Its great to see this fixture becoming so popular after the initial doubts about staging racing on Good Friday. I have to say I was sceptical at first because stable-staff work hard with little enough respite from long days. However, the valuable prize money on offer helps boost the stable pool fund and it now seems to have been accepted as part of the calendar. Id love to see Grendisar win the feature Easter Classic for Marco Botti, but at 6/5 favourite he wont make us a million. I was impressed with him in the Winter Derby and he loves it round Lingfield. He was third in the race last year but looks like the best horse in the race this time round.Andrew Baldings Ballynanty at 6/1 is the one Ill give you as my best bet in the Marathon at 2.40pm. Ralph Becketts Moonrise Landing is the market leader having won her last two on the all weather including a defeat of last years Marathon runner up Anglophile at Wolverhampton in December. In turn, Charlie Applebys Anglophile beat Ballynanty over course and distance last time out in January, but the runner up was desperately unlucky and you wouldnt bet on the winner confirming those placings. Ballynanty may only have a maiden win to his name, but he has only run seven times in his career and Balding thinks plenty of him. The step up to two miles was always guaranteed to suit this stoutly bred son of Yeats and if hes to run in the Chester Cup, which is the plan, then he should make his mark here. Id love to see Grendisar win the feature Easter Classic for Marco Botti. I was impressed with him in the Winter Derby and he loves it round Lingfield. He was third in the race last year but looks like the best horse in the race this time round. Mindyourownbusiness is another to have on your shortlist in the Mile at 3.15pm but again hes pretty short at 15/8 with Sky Bet. He had the perfect prep for this race when winning at Wolverhampton last month but has to put a disappointing run in this last race year behind him. He didnt get the best of luck then though and connections are back for more. He is drawn in the middle this time which should aid his cause.At 2.10pm the Sprint looks devilishly difficult, but there has been plenty of chat about Kevin Ryans Goken. Hes 4/1 second favourite with Sky Bet behind Dean Ivorys favourite Lancelot Du Lac. The latter deserves his position at the head of the market, but Goken was considered smart enough to run in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot when trained by Henri-Alex Pantall in France last summer (he was eighth at 50/1). He was then well beaten at Glorious Goodwood but made a winning start for Ryan at Lingfield in November on his all weather debut. There looks to be much more to come. He is well drawn in stall one and I think its worth taking the favourite on with this dual Group 3 winner. 5. The Dubai World Cup at Meydan on Saturday has attracted an International field. Can California Chrome go one better than his runner up spot 12 months ago?Well, its promising to be a cracking evening and Flat racing fans look set to have an enjoyable Easter. All eyes will be on California Chrome in the Dubai World Cup, but I think he could be vulnerable once again. On the book its virtually a two-horse race with California Chrome 15/8 favourite and Frosted 9/4 next best and 10/1 bar those two. As the race is now run on dirt it has attracted the American raiders they seemed to covet. Like the favourite, Frosted is trained in the States, this horse in the care of Kieren McLaughlin, but is owned by the boys in blue, Godolphin. He comes out of stall nine, with California Chrome two spots wider in 11 of the 12 runners. So Frosted is favoured marginally by the draw. Frosted won Round 2 of the Al Maktoum Challenge on his UAE debut and he looked a class apart from his lesser rivals there. He was a top class three-year-old in the US and McLaughlin won this race in 2007. At the prices Ill be on him to give his owners anther winner in their race. Also See:Live results serviceFull racecards ￡10 free betGet Sky Sports ' ' '