China Set Target for Synchronized Swimming at Athens Olympics

Home>>Sports

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, August 08, 2002

China Set Target for Synchronized Swimming at Athens Olympics

China aim to make top four in the synchronized swimming competitions at the Athens Olympics in 2004 and bid for podium places in the 2008 Games in Beijing, a Chinese sports official Thursday.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

China aim to make top four in the synchronized swimming competitions at the Athens Olympics in 2004 and bid for podium places in the 2008 Games in Beijing, a Chinese sports official Thursday.

"These are the latest targets we've set," said Yu Li, an official with China Swimming Administrative Center. She was in the city to supervise the national youth championship.

"We even eye the gold medal in the 2008 Games," she said.

Since Beijing was awarded last year the right to host the 2008 Olympic Games, Chinese sports associations have gradually adjustedtheir targets for the next two Olympic Games.

China is currently second to Japan in Asia in the sport and ranks among the world's top eight.

"Although the sport does not have a long history in China, we'dmade amazing progress," Yu said.

Cautiously optimistic, however, Yu said that Chinese need to overcome numerous major barriers before winning bravos by the restof the world.

"The sport is not run professionally enough and our referees remain to be improved in terms of standard, " she said.

Yu pinned her hope on the young generation of swimmers, who impressed sports officials with their performance and potential atthe national championship.

"Some of the swimmers here would compete at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing," Yu added.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Experts Reject 'China Threat' Theory ( 94 Messages)

HK Financial Secretary Confirmed Marriage with Chinese Diving Queen ( 30 Messages)

Christian Designs Found in Tomb Stones of Eastern Han Dynasty ( 77 Messages)

China's High-tech Development Geared to Marketable Industries ( 16 Messages)

Missing Chinese Girl Found Safe in US East Coast ( 44 Messages)

WTO Chief Says China is a Responsible Member ( 20 Messages)