Special report: 2008 Olympic Games

    MEXICO CITY, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Guatemala's sport representation in the Beijing Olympic Games has shrunk by 33 percent comparing to the number of athletes who competed in Athens2004, the Guatemalan Olympic Committee (COG) said Thursday.

    A total of 17 athletes represented the country in more than 10 sports disciplines four years ago, while there will only be 12 Guatemalans in nine sports in Beijing, according to information from Guatemala City.

    The athletes representing Guatemala include Evelyn Nunez in 20 kilometers race, Jose Amado Garcia and Alfredo Arevalo in the 42 kilometers marathon and veteran Luis Bechinie in the 50 kilometers march.

    Other athletes are Eddie Valenzuela in boxing; Kevin Cordon in badminton; Juan Andres Rodriguez in equestrian obstacles; Christian Lopez in weightlifting (105 kg); Gisela Morales in swimming (100 and 200 meters).

    Rita Sanz-Agero in modern pentathlon; Juan Carlos Romero in archery (skeet test); and Juan Ignacio Maegli in sailing (Laser class test).

    President of the COG Fernando Beltranena said they will send 45delegates to China including officials, trainers, doctors and journalists.

    The designation of the flag bearer will be disclosed on Monday. Swimmer Gisela Morales was the flag bearer four years ago when she was 16 years old.

    The Guatemalan delegation will travel to Beijing on August 5.