Earlier yesterday, China put three golds in its bag at the 27th Olympic Games, when two duos won respectively in the events of the women's 10m platform and men's 3m springboard synchronized diving, and Wang Liping won the first athletics gold for China.

The four golds enabled China's gold tally at the medals table up to 26, second only to the United States.

On the same day, Chinese President Jiang Zemin congratulated the Chinese sports delegation at the ongoing Sydney Olympic Games on the excellent achievements the athletes have made so far.

In a message of congratulation, the president said the athletes have struggled hard to win honor for the country.

The outstanding achievements made by the Chinese athletes represent another breakthrough China has made in the Olympic games, he said.

The people across the country are filled with joy, he said.

On behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, the president extended congratulations to the delegation.

The president said Chinese athletes have exhibited their indomitable spirit, superb skills and fine sportsmanship in the face of strong rivals.

The athletes' excellent performance reflects the vigorous spirit of the Chinese people in the course of reform and opening, which has contributed to the Olympic spirit, he said.

It has also greatly encouraged the Chinese people of all ethnic groups who are marching high-spiritedly towards the new century, said the president.

"The motherland is proud of you," he said.

Jiang expressed the hope that the delegation would carry on the spirit of "not being made dizzy with success or discouraged by failure."

He urged the athletes to maintain high morale, continue their scientific training to constantly improve their qualities in an all-round way, and strive to continue to bring honor to the motherland.

"The people at home are waiting for your victorious return," the president said in the message.

(CIIC)