London 2012 Chairman praises enthusiasm of athletes

FRANKFURT - The London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe Thursday said the levels of efforts and enthusiasm among elite athletes to compete at the London 2012 Olympic Games were among the highest he had seen.

He made the remarks at a news conference here with Thomas Bach, German National Olympic Committee President and International Olympic Committe vice-president. Bach announced the selection of the first athletes to represent Germany at the London 2012 Games.

Coe said the interest and desire to participate at the London Olympic Games was sky high. The triathletes in Tokyo, runners in rabat, swimmers in Los Angeles and gymnasts in Beijing have an unprecedented appetite among elite level competitors around the world to get to London, he said.

Bach expects an exciting and inspiring atmosphere and brilliant games in London. "On the sport side they will be the stage for the toughest Olympic competition ever," he said.

China and the US will compete for the first place in the medal tally in London Olympics, probably followed by Russia in the third place, Bach predicted. He also added that the UK, which is the host country of the Games, will probably take the fourth place in the medal tally.

There will be fierce competition for the fifth place, he said.

The news conference was attended by a popular German Olympic gold medalist fencer, Britta Heidemann who told Xinhua that she will try to secure a medal in London, pointing to strong competition from her Chinese and French competitors.

Coe said the Torch Relay is building momentum and excitement is continuing to increase in the countdown to the Games.

"We are on track to provide a memorable welcome that will inspire the athlete and the world," he added.