ATHENS, Aug. 26 (Xinhuanet) -- The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) had no hesitate to give out its highest compliment to China for its eyes-opening performances in the Athens Olympic Games.

    "China is gonna be our most serious rival in 2008," said RobertCondron, director of media service of the USOC.

    China is seizing the unfamiliar second place on the medal standings with 25 golds, 17 silvers and 12 bronzes.

    The United States have a slim advantage at the top of the standings with 26 golds, 30 silvers and 23 bronze, while the third-placed Australia chasing far behind with 16 golds, 11 silvers and 15 bronzes.

    "We can see the program is being built. The effort they put into building different teams and athletes probably the largest operations of history of sports," Condron added.

    "We are complimentary of Chinese system. We know how strong China is. It's going to be exceptional strong, ever stronger every year." Enditem