Jiang made the remarks in a speech while meeting with the Chinese Olympic delegation at the Great Hall of the People Tuesday morning.

China pocketed a record-high 28 gold, 16 silver, and 15 bronze medals at the Olympic Games, taking the third place in the medal table behind the United States and Russia.

Commending the results as "a new breakthrough" that China has made in the Olympic Games, Jiang extended a heartfelt congratulation to members of the delegation and sports workers across the country on behalf of the central authorities and the whole nation.

The whole nation, from Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council to the people of all ethnic groups and overseas Chinese, "feel sincere joy and incredible pride for your excellent performance," he told the athletes.

He particularly mentioned that such excellent performance resulted from the "spirit of patriotism, collectivism and socialism," and demonstrated the Chinese people's enterprising spirit to "constantly strive to become stronger."

Jiang attributed the results to the collective efforts of the delegation leaders, athletes and coaches.

The president also praised the coverage of the Chinese press and the ardent support of overseas Chinese.

"All this shows that should all Chinese be united as one can accomplishments that attract worldwide attention be definitely made," he said.

Jiang also praised those who did not win a medal, adding that the Chinese have always advocated the spirit of "not being made dizzy with success or discouraged by failure."

He said the Chinese government and people will give "full support" to Beijing's bid for hosting the 2008 Olympic Games.

"China has always been an active supporter and participant of the Olympic movement and adhered to the principle of unity, friendship and progress and the guideline of fairness, justice and openness as advocated by the movement," Jiang said, adding that China will continue to make its due contribution to the cause of promoting human peace and development.

The victorious return of the Chinese athletes coincided with China's National Day. After summarizing the progress China has made in sports during the past 51 years, Jiang said that Chinese sportsmanship represents an important part of China's socialist civilization and becomes a spiritual gem of the Chinese nation.

He urged people from all walks of life to learn from the patriotism and revolutionary heroism as displayed by the athletes so as to further push forward the great cause of building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Jiang finally asked the athletes to "learn from the people" and make a greater contribution to China's physical culture and modernization.

(People's Daily 10/03/2000)