The Japanese swimming team will perform 130 percent in the Beijing Olympic Games, not just 100 percent, said their coach at a press conference?in Beijing?on Thursday.
"Our swimmers are quite good," said Koji Ueno, head coach of the Japanese swimming team. "The players will perform their best in the Olympic Games, not only 100 percent, but much more, maybe 130 percent."
Kosuke Kitajima, winner of the 100m and 200m breaststroke in the 2004 Athens Olympics, is their NO. 1 gold hopeful. Kitajima just broke the world record of the 200m breaststroke in a warm-up competition in June.
"The Japanese people strongly hope Kitajima can break the world record in the Olympic Games as well as claim the gold," said Ueno. "But it's very hard to say. In the Olympic Games, to win the gold is the most important thing. And Kitajima has prepared quite well."
"Of course it will be fantastic if he takes both," the coach added.
Kitajima, winner of the 200m breaststroke in the 2007 Melbourne world championships, said he has felt much pressure now. "Of course there is pressure, but I can change it into impetus. I enjoy the Olympic Games very much. Although I want good results, I will not have unnecessary pressure."
As the final of swimming in the Beijing Olympics will be held in the morning, Kitajima said he has made full preparations for competing in the morning.
"It's the first time that the final will be held in the morning, but I have trained in the morning recently, so it won't be a problem."
(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2008)