Qiao Liang named as head coach of Chinese women's gymnastics team

BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Former American gymnastics team coach Qiao Liang (widely known as "Liang Chow") was named as the head coach of Chinese women's gymnastics team here on Thursday.

Qiao Liang, 50, was notable for being the coach of 2008 Olympic balance beam champion Shawn Johnson and 2012 Olympic individual all-around champion Gabby Douglas. He also contributed to the dominant four-gold performance of American women's gymnastics team in Rio Olympic Games.

"It will be a long road to go for the Chinese ladies," said Qiao. "For now, I need to focus on every single day to improve their strength. Step by step."

Chinese women's gymnastics team won the team's gold in Beijing Olympic Games but struggled to gain medals in London and Rio.