Weightlifting champ inspired by fish

Beijing (CNS) -- Zhang Jie, 24, who came to international attention during the 2011 World Weightlifting Championships in Paris, attributes his success to a fish.

"I am fond of the imposing manner of arowanas, which are just like sportsmen in the arena," he says.

Zhang raises three of the fish as his hobby. "When I stare at them, I can calm down quickly. That's my secret to relaxing."

With the approach of the 2012 London Olympics, Zhang's training schedule has become more intense. "The key is to be determined," Zhang says, as he recalls the last minute when he overcame adversity and conquered the barbell in Paris.

"I'll try my best to realize my Olympic dream," he says with a confident smile.

Though ambitious during contests and training, Zhang usually spends his leisure time with teammates drinking tea from his hometown in south China's Fujian Province.