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Li Ji Could Win A Medal in Women's 10,000m Event, Official
Li Ji, the only survivor of coach Ma Junren's training camp for the Olympic Games, could win a medal from the women's 10,000 meters if she is in good form, a top Chinese athletics official said Thursday.
Shang Xiutang, general secretary of Chinese Athletics Association, said there will be no problems for the 19-year-old Li to finish among the top five or eight. "If she maintains good form, it will be possible to win a medal."
Shang said that Li had returned to Dalian with coach Ma from Duoba training camp in Qinghai Province. "She is still coached by Ma," Shang said.
Li, whose personal best time is only 32 mintues 14.97 seconds, will find it very hard to bring a medal from Sydney. Her top rivals will be defending champion Fernanda Ribeiro of Portugal and world marathon record holder Tegla Loroupe of Kenya.
Ethiopia's Derartu Tulu and Gete Wami, and Ireland's veteran Sonia O'Sullivan will also pose serious threat to the Chinese Olympic debutant.
Shang said Li will arrive here on Saturday, 11 days before start of the qualifying round of the event.
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