Athletes from around the world are stepping up final training to put in their best performances in Beijing.
Brazil has the distinction of having the only South American men's table tennis team to qualify for Beijing. (CCTV.com)
Brazil has the distinction of having the only South American men's table tennis team to qualify for Beijing.
23-year-old Gustavo Tsuboi is the leading player. The Brazillian-born Japanese finished on the podium in both the men's team and individual events at the 2007 Pan-American Games. Beijing will be Tsuboi's first Olympics.
39-year-old Hugo Hoyama is the oldest player, and considered a spiritual leader by the others.
With their experienced coach, Wei Jianren, Brazil's table tennis team appear to be ready for the games.
The Dutch women's hockey team won silver at Athens in 2004, and the World Championship title in 2006 and 2007. (CCTV.com)
The Dutch women's hockey team won silver at Athens in 2004, and the World Championship title in 2006 and 2007. Their formidable Mare Lammers was honored as 2007's "Coach of the Year".
The rain didn't dampen their desire to be the best, as they practiced under the watchful eye of Lammers.
In the Olympic line up, the Netherlands are in group A, which includes China - currently 5th in the world, Sydney Olympic Champion Australia, and Asian powerhouse South Korea.
The Minister of Tourism and Sports Thailand's 50-plus athletes are ready for the Games. They see Beijing as a place to win honor for their country, and develop friendly relationships with other teams.(CCTV.com)
Thai athletes won three golds in Athens. It's said they're looking for even more in Beijing. But the Minister of Tourism and Sports has played down expectations, saying the Olympics is the highest class competition.
Weerasak says Thailand's 50-plus athletes are ready for the Games. They see Beijing as a place to win honor for their country, and develop friendly relationships with other teams.
(CCTV July 15, 2008)
