Over the past four years, AFP has gained rare access to China's notoriously demanding gymnastics training system, chronicling the lives of children and young athletes striving for Olympic glory. To accompany our extensive photo essay by Beijing-based photographer Nicolas Asfouri, and video from the Li Xiaoshuang Gymnastics School, we will move the following: Gymnastics-Oly-2020-2021-CHN,PHOTOESSAY BEIJING Under the twin emblems of the Chinese flag and the Olympic rings, two tiny boys dangle from the high bar in a cavernous gym -- the cradle of China's elite gymnasts. 450 words 0400 GMT by Nicolas Asfouri with Danni Zhu. Picture. Video Gymnastics-CHN-Zhang-China-social BAODING, China A decade ago the plight of former champion gymnast Zhang Shangwu shocked China and made world headlines when he was discovered begging in Beijing, prompting one of the country's richest men to give him a job. Now he is performing on the streets once again. 400 words. Picture afp