Weightlifter Tan Howe Liang's silver-medal feat at the 1960 Rome Games was the lone spark in the Republic's less-than impressive Olympic history.

This year, however, hopes are high that the barren spell will finally be broken at the Beijing Olympics, which start next month.

And chef de mission Dr Tan Eng Liang is confident that this is the most well-prepared squad for the medal assault.

Speaking at yesterday's flag presentation ceremony at Plaza Singapura, he said: "What pleases me most is that many of our athletes qualified outright, instead of gaining entry via wildcards or invitation.

"With a little bit of mental strength, a medal is definitely possible for this contingent." When asked if a gold medal is within Singapore's reach, Dr Tan laughed and said: "Any colour will do! It's been so long since we've won anything."(maybe the Olympics committee should consider introducing a gold medal to the country of having the most participants...Singapore might stand a good chance with that instead.)

Paddler(is being called "a table tennis player" too shabby a title for you?) Li Jiawei, who came close at the 2004 Athens Games with a fourth-place finish in the women's singles event, will be Singapore's flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony on Aug 8.(aren't there any talented Singaporean representative than to use a China-import? what a disgrace to Singapore.)