London 2012 Olympics: Zou Kai, Liu Xiang, Yao Jinnan and Top Chinese Olympians

China is loaded with medal hopefuls and is in a position to better their performance from the last Olympics, which is saying a lot considering this is the nation that took home the most golds in 2008 and the second most total in history. 

China is deep with talent and has medal contenders in a wide variety of places. 

While their list of medal hopefuls is seemingly endless, here are five that have the chance to be the most impressive while bringing home some hardware. 

Zou Kai: Gymnastics

Kai was a vital part of the 2008 Chinese gymnastics team that dominated the competition. They wound up winning 11 gold medals, and Kai won two in the floor and the horizontal bar competitions.

Combined with the team gold, Kai became the second Chinese Olympian to win three golds at a single Olympics.

Kai will have a great chance to add even more gold to his trophy case this year.

Liu Xiang: 110-Meter Hurdles

Liu Xiang is one of the country's biggest sports stars. He entered the 2008 Olympics as one of the medal favorites, but he didn't get close to that goal after withdrawing due to injury.

He is still at the top of his game, and if his body allows, he should be able to get the medal that alluded him in the last Olympics. 

Xiang has posted the fastest time in the world this year in this event. 

Yao Jinnan: Gymnastics

Yao Jinnan is a relative newcomer to the scene, but she has quickly emerged as the best all-around gymnast on the team. 

She made her international debut in 2011 and did so in grand fashion by winning gold on the uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise at the Cottbus World Cup. She then followed that up by winning gold on the floor and a bronze on the uneven bars at the Doha World Cup.

She is a surprisingly powerful gymnast who can pull off some crowd pleasing maneuvers. She is legitimate threat to take home the all-around gold as well as medal in some of the single events. 

Lin Dan: Badminton

Lin Dan is the Michael Jordan of badminton. He is the defending Olympic gold medalist and a four-time world champion. 

He is also insanely intense and fun to watch. This guy does things on the court that don't seem possible. If he plays at even 90 percent of his ability, he will take the gold. 

Li Na: Tennis

When she won the 2011 French Open, Li Na became the first Asian player to win a Grand Slam singles title. She is currently ranked No. 11 in the world and has the game to compete for a medal. 

Na does not have the best track record at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Her best finish at Wimbledon is the quarterfinals, but she has the game to succeed here if she gets hot. 

Na may not be China's best shot at gold, but she should be one of the more entertaining athletes to follow.