Tony Estanguet, who has won two Olympic gold medals in C1 slalom men, "is very likely to get his third gold at the Beijing Games and I hope he can make it," said coach Vincent Redon in Beijing on Wednesday.

Agencies Tony Estanguet, French double Olympic gold medalist in kayak

In an interview with Xinhua in Shunyi Olympic Canoeing/Kayaking Park, Redon said that Tony faces tough challenge on his way to his third Olympic title.

"He is likely to win, but he faces strong challenges. First the course is challenging. Second, Martikan from Slovakia and other strong rivals from other countries are his big rivals," Redon said.

"I know it is difficult, but it is possible. Tony has a brother who won a bronze medal in C1 at the Atlanta Olympic Games and retired in 2004. Tony will be the first French to win three Olympic gold medals in a row if he wins in Beijing," he added.

According to Redon, Tony trains some 25 hours each week in France and both his technical skill and physical condition are improving.

"He is still improving. I can not tell whether he is in his best shape. You know new things are coming all the time, like new paddles, new oars," he said.

He noted that Tony now spends quite some time on relaxation like massaging, surfing and skiing.

French team's doctor Philippe Lageyre said that Tony has no injuries and is in very good shape.

"We want the gold medal, but we don't talk about it. If he wins, I don't know how to celebrate. Maybe we can celebrate with wine and champagne," said Lageyre.

France has been very strong in slalom racing. Estanguet and Benoit Peschier claimed the titles in men's C1 and men's K1 in the Athens Games respectively.

Since slalom racing made its debut in Olympic program in 1972, France has brought home a total of 13 medals, with four being gold. Now, France stands on the top of world ranking in slalom, followed by Slovakia and Germany.

(Xinhua News Agency July 31, 2008)