China Report - Chef de Mission, COC Chief Satisfied

8/14/2012

(ATR) Chef de mission Liu Peng says he's very satisfied with his Chinese team's achievements at the 2012 Olympics.


China claimed 87 medals, including 38 gold, in London for the team's best-ever result while competing overseas.


"We are satisfied with the result in London. We have reached the goal of finishing in the top three in both the gold medal count and total medal count," Liu told reporters as the Games came to a close. 

"What we have done here is shown the improvement of Chinese sports," he added.

Liu says he's particularly pleased with Chinese swimming's performance in London. The team won 10 medals, including 5 golds, with two world records.

"We have some improvements on track and field, swimming and bicycling, but we are still have a big gap to other countries," said Liu, also president of the Chinese Olympic Committee.

Liu is unhappy with the performance of China's team sports in London since none reached the semifinal, the worst results in the country's Olympic history.

"Our team sports are lagging to other countries, and we need to work harder in those fields in the future."

Regarding doping rumors swirling around Chinese swimmer Ye Shiwen, who won two Olympic gold medals with a world record, Liu said those comments were unfair for Chinese athletes.

"There are individuals or media that are accusing unfoundedly our Chinese athletes. This is really unfair - it's groundless," Liu said.

"These people should recognize reality and respect sportspersons' dignity and reputation.

"Prejudice and guessing and rumours blamed our athletes. The media, they should blame themselves because they should be objective and recognize the facts, and respect the reputation of athletes," he said.

Reported by Tencent's Norman Li.

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