As a pairs skater himself, Yao used to finish last at the Winter Olympics but his athletes have helped him realize his Olympic dreams. Shen and Zhao won bronze medals in 2002 and 2006 while their young teammates, Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao, claimed silver at the 2006 Turin Games

Together with the 2006 world champion duo of Pang Qing and Tong Jian, China looks finally set to break its gold medal drought in Vancouver.

"All three pairs are in good form right now," Yao said. "Their biggest rivals are themselves. I just hope they skate at their highest level."

In contrast to the smooth return of Shen and Zhao, the team's youngest pair, the Zhangs, has struggled in its two Grand Prix stops and had to settle for last spot in the six-pair Grand Prix finals after adopting new routines for both the short program and free skating in the early part of the season.

However, the duo refuses to give up on its Olympic dream and has since resurrected its old short program and recorded the highest score of the season to win the Four Continents championships in Jeonju, South Korea, last month.

"Returning from the Four Continents championships, we have regained our confidence," said Zhang Hao, who has just recovered from a fever. "We will pay much attention to detail in the last week before the competitions and try to skate our best there."

For Pang and Tong, who will also be competing at their last Olympics, a medal would be the ultimate farewell gift.

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