HIgh Five

The remarkable success of Thailand's dedicated|athletes in Athens is a cherished memory. Olympians had dreams come true in front of the entire world. Their feats will inspire a new generation of youth.

Four years down the road, a strong field of 51 athletes in 13 sports are in Beijing brimming with confidence.

The contingent is a mix of experienced veterans and upcoming stars.

There are 15 in track-and-field events, eight boxers,|seven weightlifters, three|taekwondo artists, four each|in badminton and shooting,|two each in swimming,|windsurfing and fencing and one each competing in tennis, table tennis, cycling and skeet shooting.

This country, with its population of about 68 million, hopes to capture three gold medals, the same achieved in Athens. Overall, hopes are for eight medals.

China vows to use home advantage and top the medal tables.

It is strong in weightlifting and taekwondo.