Venezuela is awaiting a breakthrough in gymnastics at the Beijing Olympics, Venezuelan gymnastics team leader said on Thursday.

Sonia Sequera, also vice president of Venezuelan Gymnastics, said her country has sent two gymnasts for the Beijing Olympics, one woman and one man. Both of them are in very good shape and doing their best to improve their performance.

"The competition of the Olympics is going to be very hard. For us, to win a medal is not impossible but very difficult. We hope they can make the finals," said red-eyed Sequerea. "We are confident about our athletes."

The team leader has rushed to watch the training after her arrival in Beijing. "I want to push them and encourage them," added Sequerea.

According to Sequera, Jose Luis Fuentes Bustamante is the first Venezuelan male gymnast competing in the Olympic Games this time. He gained the qualification at the 2007 World Championships by ranking the 10th in individual all-around.

Jessica Brizeida Lopez Arocha, 22, has developed new routines for the Beijing Olympic women's all-around competition. Her specialty event is balance beam, said Sequerea.

Venezuela sent a female gymnast to vie for a final berth in the Sydney Olympics, but the efforts failed at last.

Venezuela has sent its largest Olympic delegation to Beijing with a total of 109 athletes. They will compete in 20 disciplines.

(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2008)