Kazakhstan's first athlete to compete in canoe/kayak slalom event in Olympic history said Tuesday that she was very satisfied with the Beijing water course and would try to show her best shape in the race in mid-August at Beijing Olympics.

Yekaterina Lukicheva, born on May 21, 1988, told Xinhua that this is her first Olympics.

"I began kayaking in the World Cup in Athens four years ago. That's my first competition," the 20-year-old said, adding that she usually practised kayaking in rivers at home.

"I like the Beijing course. The water is strong, but it is the best in the world," she said.

On the climate and air quality in Beijing, she said that it was so good and the air quality would have no impact on her performance in the water course.

Lukicheva stayed in Europe for two months before coming for Beijing Olympics.

"This summer, I practised in Slovenia, Germany and Prague (the Czech Republic). I know I was one of the last athletes in the World Cup races, but I will try to do my best in Beijing," she said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 30, 2008)