Olympic defending Judo champion Ryoko Tani expressed her determination that she was ready for the upcoming matches before the Japan flag-raising ceremony in the Olympic Village on Wednesday.

"I'm ready to defend my title in the Beijing Olympics," said Tani. "I adjusted my form and is only waiting for the match to start. It is my biggest chance to achieve my dream, that is to win three Olympic titles in a row."

Tani won her first Olympic title of women's judo 48kg in the 2000 Sydney Games and successfully defended it in Athens in 2004. She also created an incredible unbeaten record of 84 matches.

"I just arrived in Beijing yesterday and it was my first time to go to Beijing," said Tani. "Life here is comfortable and the food is a variety."

"My three-year-old son came to Beijing with my mother-in-law and he will be cheering for me during my matches," added Tani.

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2008)