China is aiming to finish third in the gold medal tally at the upcoming Athens Olympics while bringing up a group of promising young athletes for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

　　Senior Chinese sports officials made the statement at a briefing in Beijing this morning.

　　Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, Li Furong says sports powerhouses Russia and the United States will continue to dominate in the Olympics, leaving China to fight for a leading position in the second tier.

　　He made it clear that Germany would be China's strongest nut to crack in Athens if China wants to repeat its feat at the Sydney Games four years ago.

　　China finished third in gold medal tally at the Sydney Games with 28 gold, the best ever finish since the country first took part in the Olympics in Los Angeles Games in 1984.

　　Meanwhile, young athletes in events such as track and field and swimming will be sent to Athens to sharpen up their experience in preparation for the Beijing Games.

　　The Chinese Olympic delegation will be set up on July 13th, one month before the Athens Games. Insiders say an up to 400-strong delegation will be sent to Athens.

　　(Photo Source: news.sports.cn)