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While most Chinese Olympic champions train at unfathomably high levels, Ye Shiwen is a little more fortunate.

The new women's 400 individual medley world record holder stole the limelight on Saturday with a time of 4 min 28.43 sec. And, by the way, she's only 16 years old.

As quiet as any other high school girl, how is it possible Ye has already achieved so much? Is she another product of China's State-run factory?

The international media has been asking that same question. Time Magazine and the (London) Guardian just unveiled stories highlighting some of the Chinese athletes' long road to London.

"I am not a robot. I am a lucky girl. I don't need to practice over and over every day," Ye said at a news conference.

According to Time, 30 members of the Chinese weightlifting squad have to repeat their routines six days a week in a pungent gym filled with sweat and chalk as they prepare for the Games.

Most of the lifters resemble workers in a factory, with little passion for their sport.

British diving star Thomas Daley recently told the Guardian that his Chinese rival Qiu Bo performs as flawlessly as a robot on a conveyor belt from the medal machine.

His remarks prompted curiosity about China's traditional means of cultivating athletes, as well as the system's tough requirements in practice.

Some though, like Ye, don't consider it too difficult.

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