Laura Flessel-Colovic, the famous Olympic fencing champion, was warmly greeted by Jean Marc Perrigon, Executive Chef of Novotel Xinqiao Beijing during her recent stay in the hotel.

Fencing with an Epee, Flessel-Colovic's game is characterized by lightning-swift attacks from far away. She can cover 20 feet before her opponents have a chance to react. She dominates the field through sheer athleticism and a fine sense of timing.

Flessel-Colovic credits her impressive and consistent results to a strict training regimen. Unlike other sports, fencing doesn't put food on the table, so she moonlights at Paris' office of tourism when she's not competing.

Christophe Lauras, General Manager of Novotel Xinqiao Beijing, also poses with Jiang Wen, famous movie star, during the opening ceremony of the French Culture Centre.