Special report: 24th Universiade Bangkok 2007

    BANGKOK, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- "I just want to be here in Universiade to meet people and understand other sports, and I always believe sportsmanship is not interest-driven at all," Flavia Rigamonti, a Swiss swimming world championship silver medallist said here Tuesday.

    Rigamonti, 26, will lead Swiss swimming squad to compete in the 24th Universiade. Yet, she obviously cares more on something else rather than the gold medal.

    "Surely I will try hard to grab the gold medal, but for me, the Universiade means much more than the competition itself," said the world championships runner-up for women's 1,500 meters freestyle.

    "This is my first time in Universiade, and so far, I simply find it a great event for the young athletes all over the world," said Flavia, "I personally have never cared so much about the reward of any competition, since I love swimming and enjoy it everyday."

    Rigamonti swam the second best result this year at the World Championships in Melbourne, Australia, where she also set the new European record. Moreover, she has already been qualified for the women's 800 meters freestyle competition in the Beijing Olympics next year.

    The 24th Universiade will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from Aug. 8 to 18. Athletes from 156 countries and regions will attend the 11-day university multi-sport gala.