Paquillo Fernandez has vowed to give everything in his power in what he believes to be the difficult quest for a gold medal in the Beijing Olympics.

Long distance walker Fernandez is one of Spain's best hopefuls for a medal in Beijing. He recently set a new world record in the 10,000 meters walk and although that is not an Olympic event, it does stand him in good stead for the 20 kilometers event.

Fernandez, 31, took the silver medal in Athens four years ago, and speaking in Diario AS on Monday, he vowed to do everything to try and go on better this time around.

"I have prepared very well and now my final preparation will be in Japan. I hope everything goes well and I can achieve my objective," he said.

"I always fight to be the number one in my event, but being realistic, I know it is going to be very difficult and if I can win a medal, then I will be content," he told the paper.

Fernandez highlighted one man above all as the one to beat in Beijing.

"Everyone is a possible rival, there are always big surprises with people who suddenly appear and turn in a great performance. Nevertheless, the reference point in the world at the moment is Jefferson Perez. He has won the last three World Championships, leaving me in second place."

"He is the man to beat and also someone I have a lot of respect for," concluded Fernandez.

(Xinhua News Agency August 5, 2008)