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Team GB to make history in Rio, said official

Xinhua, August 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

Britain is seeking more than 47 medals in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, said Team GB chef de mission here on Monday.

"We are here to make history. We think we have got the most talented team that's ever been to an away Games. It's the largest team we have taken away from home in

over a quarter of a century," said Mark England on a news conference.

Britain sent 366 athletes to the Rio Olympics, the third largest British squad to travel to an overseas Games, and the biggest since Barcelona in 1992.

England said that Britain, which swept 47 medals in the 2008 Games, is able to surpass its Beijing tally.

"We have a very strong team and I think we have a good chance of winning more than the 47 medals and bringing back a new generation of heroes," said England.

"We have a strength in depth in terms of Olympic pedigree and understand what it's like to go away and compete."

According to England, there are 65 British medal winners at London 2012 who will also be competing in Rio, from a total of 151 returning athletes.

When asked whether Team GB's medal prospects have been enhanced by the absence of Russian athletes from track and field, England said: "We have not done any analysis as a result of Russia not being here. I think if we analyze Beijing (2008) and London (2012) it would be marginal. In some sports there may be more of a level playing field than it would have been and we welcome that." Endit