Unexpected success in Athens Olympics has boosted China's expectations for track and field events at the 2008 Games.

Yu Weili, deputy head coach of the Chinese athletics team, told a press briefing on Thursday that Chinese athletics will have higher targets in 2008 following its historic breakthrough in Athens.

Liu Xiang, 21, equaled the world record of 12.91 seconds in winning a dramatic gold medal in the men's 110m hurdles at this summer's Athens Games, becoming the first Chinese male track and field Olympic champion.

Liu's compatriot Xing Huina, 20, came from nowhere to win the women's 10,000m race in a personal-best 30 minutes 24.36 seconds, beating a host of big names like Ethiopia's two-time gold medallist Derartu Tulu and Paula Radcliffe of Britain.

"We initially targeted two medals at the Athens Olympics and two golds at the Beijing Games," said Yu.

"The two gold medals in Athens far exceeded our expectations, and thus we have to adjust our target in 2008. After all, we then have home advantage."

But Yu refused to unveil a specific goal at the 2008 Olympics.

"We hope to maintain our strength in men's 110m hurdles and women's long-distance running events," Yu said.

"Race walking, women's hammer and women's marathon are among the events where we could make a breakthrough," he added.

(Xinhua News Agency November 19, 2004)