The Grand Prix brings singers and sprinters

Whether it validates the post-modern celebration of the individual in China or, on the contrary, reaffirms the traditionally communist fervency for big parades, anthems and sports events, the Shanghai Grand Prix is back, bringing with it pop stars and Olympic athletes. Famous names include singers Macy Gray, Karen Mok and Wang Lihong and athletes Shawn Crawford, Jeremy Warnier and Joana Hayes. The singers will perform an hour-long show after the completion of the track and field events. The most exciting match of the series should be the 110m hurdles in which Chinese 2004 Olympic champion and world record holder Liu Xiang goes head to head with former Olympic and world champion Allen Johnson, Olympic silver medalist and world indoor champion Terrence Trammell, and Dominique Arnold, who also broke the world record in Lausanne. But perhaps this story, like so many in China, isn't about them - those who have succeeded - as much as it is about those who carry the expectations of achieving future fame. At a recent press conference, 17-year-old Yang Yaozu, a member of Team China and a champion at the 10th National Games, answered questions with the cocky air of a real track star. Asked whether he'll be prepared for 2008, he responds with the simple phrase, "I'm confident." Asked whether he thinks he's cool, he responds, "I'm not clear on that. Maybe people think that I think I am cool because I squint in the sun." Female reporters from local magazines fluttered around him like nervous sparrows. The conference featured two other young Chinese athletes, 16 and 17 years old, who seemed to be more comfortable on the track than the platform. Perhaps in the next two years, they'll develop the necessary swagger to push them over the hurdles.