"There has been no female flag bearer for China in the history, but nothing is impossible," Yao said.

Yao has also been considered as one of the favorites to be the last runner in the torch relay who will light the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony, but he seemed to be less optimistic than others.

"The one to light the flame? Oh, I hardly dare to imagine that, " Yao said. "If you have watched past Games, you must know that all those lucky birds who had that honor enjoyed magnificent sports careers.

"I still have a long way to go to catch up with them, but I will try my best in the time left for me."

In just over 400 days, Yao will start his third Olympic trip on home soil.

"The Chinese team's best finish at the Olympics was eighth at the 1996 and 2004 Games, I hope we can go a little further this time," said Yao.

Yao will join the Chinese national team, who was playing friendly games in the United States, later this summer.

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