Albanian Wrestler Hopes to Make History in Beijing

Albanian wrestler Sahit Prizreni expressed their determination on Tuesday to make historic breakthrough by winning medals in the upcoming Beijing Olympics.

"I want to get a medal for my country," said Prizreni, who finished 17th in the Athens Olympics four years ago.

"I can't wait any more, I just want to warm up and keep a good form," said Prizreni, who will take part in men's freestyle 60kg.

Prizreni has made rapid progress since Athens. He grabbed the bronze medal in last year's world championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.

"I left my hometown two years ago to join the New York Athletic Club," said Prizreni. "I got lots chances to play with high-level wrestlers and that experience helped me a lot. And my coach also gave me lots of help."

Albania has never won a medal in Olympics history. Their best result came in the 2000 Sydney Olympics when weightlifter Llirian Suli finished fifth in the men's 77kg event.

Prizreni's teamate Elis Guri of men's Greco-Roman 96kg had the same goal. "I knew the Olympics are not so easy, it would be tough," he said. "But I still dream to win a medal. It is Olympics and everything is possible."

Albania has 11 athletes to compete in the Beijing Olympics. They will take part in track and field, judo, shooting, swimming, weightlifting and wrestling.

(Xinhua News Agency July 30, 2008)

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