US eye 30 athletics medals at London Olympics

Washington: US Olympic athletics team is aiming at no less than 30 medals at the upcoming London Games, said coaches Andrew Valmon and Amy Deem.

Men`s Olympic coach Valmon and women`s coach Deem expressed confidence on a rest day at the US Olympic track and field trials. "There are lots of opportunities to get those 30 medals," Valmon was quoted as saying. The 30-medal goal for London was set by former USA Track and Field chief executive Doug Logan and backed by new chief executive Max Siegel. The US team claimed 23 medals from athletics at Beijing with seven golds, nine silvers and seven bronzes. "We`re going to have a strong team. We`re excited," Valmon said. "Our goal is always to bring home as many medals as we can. We are on track to do that," Deem said. "I think we have an opportunity to bring home a lot of medals." The women`s team includes reigning 100m World champion Carmelita Jeter, reigning 100m hurdles Olympic champion Dawn Harper and reigning Olympic discus champion Stephanie Brown Trafton. The men`s team comprises 2004 Olympic 100m champion Justin Gatlin, former world 100m champion Tyson Gay, reigning world high jump champion Jesse Williams and reigning Olympic 400m champion Lashawn Merritt. IANS