HA NOI — Weightlifters, taekwondo martial artists and gymnasts are Viet Nam's top medal hopes at the upcoming London Olympics.

Lam Quang Thanh, head of the Vietnamese Olympic delegation, said that the athletes were close to medal standards, and they had been receiving great support and enjoying intensive training for success in London.

Two weightlifters are practising in Bulgaria, the martial artists are sharpening their skills in South Korea, while the gymnasts just returned home from South Korea and will leave for another training course in Bradford.

"We divided the team to two parts. One has to strive for medals. Any kind of medal they could grab would mean success. The others will have to improve their level through this competition," said Thanh.

Thanh added that other sportsmen such as marksmen, rowers, fencers and badminton players could also make a big impression at the tournament that opens on July 27.

Swimming and track-and-field athletes that hold little chance of collecting medals have been asked to try and beat their personal bests.

Viet Nam will find out today for confirmation of if high jumper Dinh Thi Viet Anh has qualified for this summer's event. Many experts believe that with her leap of 1.92m, equal to the Olympic B standard, Anh will be selected.

Viet Nam will have 18 berths, including Anh, in London. — VNS