Athletes

Jennie Finch, Ace Pitcher with 3 Olympic Golds "It boils down to just being the best you can be," said the 28-year-old looking into the upcoming sports gala, which might be the last Olympics for softball, as the sport is about to lose its identity in 2012.

Piersig Eyes Slalom Final at Beijing Olympics "I finished the World Cup in 2006 with a silver medal. But in the World Cup contests and World Championships in 2007, I did not get any medal. I took only one World Cup contest in Prague this year because I have to make preparations for the Beijing Olympics," said the 24-year-old C2 athlete.

US Gymnast Tan to Compete in Beijing "It's my first trip to China and it is really exciting to come back as an Olympian," Tan said shortly after arriving at the Beijing international airport with a group of American athletes.

Guo Jingjing Eyes More Crowns at Beijing Olympics Regardless of being all-time focus of media attention, Chinese "diving queen" Guo Jingjing only cares about defending her title at her last Olympic Games.

Despatie Aims at Olympic Diving Gold "I feel great. No problems with my injuries," said the 23-year-old said in Water Cube, where the Olympic diving tournament will be held.

Coach Anticipates Tony's Hat-trick in Olympic Gold Tony Estanguet, who has won two Olympic gold medals in C1 slalom men, "is very likely to get his third gold at the Beijing Games and I hope he can make it," said coach Vincent Redon in Beijing on Wednesday.

Togo Tennis Olympian Hopes to Make Top 50 on ATP Rankings "The travel is very long, but I still want to play tennis as early as possible. I came here a week before the starting of the Olympics, so I hope I can get used to the venue soon," said Loglo, who was accompanied by his elder brother and coach Jean.

Argentine Nalbadian Eyes An Olympic Tennis Gold Argentine David Nalbandian, who ranked seventh in the ATP world, said Wednesday in Buenos Aires that he would seek "to win the gold medal" in the Olympic Games of Beijing.

Kye Sun Hui Pinned High Hope to Win Gold at Olympics for DPRK A women judoka who will compete her 4th Olympics for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was the most expected athlete to grab a gold medal for the country.

Nikolaidis Expects an Epic and Magical Opening Ceremony The opening ceremony of Beijing Olympic Games is expected to be epic and magical as is the history and tradition of China, said Alexandros Nikolaidis, Olympic taekwondo athlete from Greece and the first torchbearer for Beijing Olympic Torch Relay.