Why didn't the Chinese gymnast, Cheng Fei, perform on bars in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics?

China View reported today that five-time world champion Cheng Fei (vault, vault, vault, floor, team) will not be vying for one of the all-arounder's spots on the 2008 Chinese Olympic team. "As far as the all-around concerned, I have decided to give it up," said Cheng, triple vault world champion in a row, here on the gymnastics Olympic test on Wednesday. "The time leading to the Beijing Olympics is not too much there and quite a few gymnasts in Chinese team are capable of challenging the event, so I finally give it away."

Cheng didn't compete in the all-around in major international competitions. She specialized on the vault and floor, and later, the balance beam as well. Uneven bars was her weakest event, and by ignoring bars, she was able to excel on the other three events.