Mental strength is more important in the Beijing Olympics first gold hunt, said Czech markswoman Katerina Emmons on Tuesday, who is among the most hopefuls to snatch the first Olympic title.

"We have all prepared for a long time. Now it is more important to keep your head cool," she said at the Beijing Shooting Range Hall at the western suburb.

Arriving in Beijing on Aug. 1, Emmons had a hard time fighting against time difference. The blonde athlete first flew from the United States to the Czech Republic a week before the departure and the time difference between China and her residence in the United States is 14 hours.

Considering herself in good form, the 25-year-old Olympic bronze medalist said she wouldn't train every day.

At the noon of Tuesday, she had a three-hour training in women's 10-meter air rifle and 50-meter rifle three positions. She took more interest in the 10-meter air rifle which is mostly likely to produce the first gold medal of the Beijing Olympics.

Emmons was crowned in women's 10-meter air rifle at the Good Luck Beijing World Cup this April. Her score, 504.9 points, equaled the then world record and was just 0.1 point less than the new one set by German shooter Sonja Pfeilschifter in June.

"Everybody comes here for the same goal," said Emmons.

However, she admitted that the competition for the first gold could be intense. "I will do my best," she said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2008)