With the stadia almost complete and social issues high on the agenda, China has also set its focus on domestic success in the Olympic events.

Although the country's goal is to top the medals table - usurping the US - the Chinese Olympic Committee said the country would also be happy to finish top of the second group.

China will be hoping it can unearth more superstars like their NBA basketball icon Yao Ming (pictured on left) and Liu Xiang, the current 110m hurdles Olympic champion.

Expect China's Olympians to shine come August next year.