Under the twin emblems of the Chinese flag and the Olympic rings, two tiny boys dangle from the high bar in a cavernous gymnasium -- the cradle of China's elite gymnasts. They are among the latest recruits to China's notoriously demanding state sports system, which has attracted legions of critics but has also made it one of the successful Olympic nations. Despite the tough nature of the drills, officials say the focus is now more on fun -- "happy gymnastics" -- than the medal-obsessed ways of old.

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