Although training suits are soaked in sweat time after time, the slogan on the wall which reads “China’s prosperity lies in youth and their good health” is their hope as well as a source of strength.

Been following the gymnasts for 4 years, the girls in Wu Chongshun’s photos are taller and stronger. They are more relaxed when in front of the cameras compared with the tough and boring times when they were first introduced to the sport.