Paderina and Salukvadze, the two medalists, spoke together at the press conference after the event. When asked how she felt on the podium with her Russian rival, the 39-year-old shooter said that sports should be taken as a way to make friends. "This is a small victory for us two."

Yet it really was more difficult for Salukavadze, whose country is in great difficulty, to compete with others at the Games. On the reason why she gave Paderina a kiss on the cheek, she said: "We wish there were no wars. If the politicians were to learn anything from us, there would be no wars."

According to the Minister of Press and Publicity Department of the International Olympic Committee, at present, none of the Russian or Georgian athletes has considered withdrawing from the Games despite the escalating military conflict between the two countries.

Natalia Paderina (left), the silver medalist from Russia, shared the medal podium with Nino Salukvadze from Georgia, who won bronze on August 10. The two rivals kiss each other on the cheek.

(China.org.cn August 12, 2008)