With just over a year to go until the Beijing Olympics, a leading Chinese sports official has poured cold water over expectations of a gold rush for the hosts.
Deputy Minister of Sport Cui Dalin, however, said that in Olympic terms, China still trailed both the U.S. and Russia, who were third in the Athens medals table.
"American and Russia are stronger, we are far behind, especially in athletics, swimming and water sports," Cui, also vice chairman of the Chinese Olympic Committee said.
"122 of 302 Olympic events are in these sports, more than a third of all gold medals. In the sports where we are traditionally strong, we have little space for improvement."
“China should realistically be thinking more about competing with the likes of Japan, Germany, Australia and France, “ he was quick to add.