The Chinese Olympic race-walking team members are in the final preparations of training in Italy alongside their coach – who is considered a guru of the sport.

‌Sandro Damilano has an impressive track record with Chinese athletes, and under his guidance national champion Qieyang Shijie and newcomer He Xianghong qualified for the mixed-gender race-walk marathon relay at the Paris games.

‌"I was recruited by China in 2010," Damilano tells CGTN. "At the London Olympics we had incredible success with five medals, and then my contract was extended to the Olympics in Rio, Tokyo and now Paris. So, it's been 15 years that I've been working with the Chinese team."

‌This will be Qieyang's fourth and final Olympics. The 33-year-old's career highlight was winning gold in the 20-kilometer race at the London games in 2012.‌ She tells CGTN that each Olympics is different.

‌"The first time feels like a trial," she recalls. "Then the second time is about setting goals. The third time is about striving, and the fourth time, I still hope to have that mentality and attitude to strive for medals."

On the other hand, it will be the first Olympics for her team-mate He.

‌"This is my first time participating in the Olympics and this is a new event," he says. "My partner is a London Olympics gold medalist and has numerous international accolades. Partnering with her boosts my confidence significantly."

Damilano, now 74, tells CGTN that his collaboration with China has exceeded his expectations, both on and off the track.

"From an athletics perspective and in terms of results it's been an exceptional experience and from a cultural point of view it enriched me a lot because I discovered another world, another way to live and another tradition."

READ MORE

Solar cars and tyre dust: Auto's future at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Mackerel getting Norwegian fishermen out of deep water

The UK village that inspired the Olympic Games

‌It's a sentiment shared by Qieyang, who has adapted to the Italian climate and lifestyle.

‌"As for the environment, I really like it. It feels a bit like home to me. As for Sandro, we've been working together for 10 years and in that time my performance has been quite stable. So, it's been a very rewarding experience for me."

Their grueling daily training schedule involves a 30-kilometer walk, gym, and track work. The duo will compete in the men's/women's marathon race walk relay, scheduled for August 7. It will be raced in four stages and 25 teams from around the world will participate.

‌Damilano says the team is physically and mentally prepared.

‌"With China I managed to win at three Olympics and six World Championships, so I hope to continue the tradition," he smiles, before switching language to reflect his adopted country: "Zhõngguó jiãyóu! – Come on China!"

Subscribe to Storyboard: A weekly newsletter bringing you the best of CGTN every Friday