BUENOS AIRES, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- Colombia might not be renowned as a tennis powerhouse, but the South American country has every reason to be optimistic about its gold medal chances in the sport at the upcoming Youth Olympics.
Nicolas Mejia and Camila Osorio, both currently ranked sixth in the world on the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) junior circuit, will be among the title favorites when competition gets underway in their respective draws this weekend.
"To be in the Youth Olympic Games is a dream for me," Osorio told the official Youth Olympics website.
The 16-year-old has won five tournaments this year, including four on clay, which will be the surface used here.
Meanwhile, Mejia is coming off two tournament victories so far in 2018.
"The Youth Olympic Games are a great opportunity for me and, what's more, a new experience where I'll be representing Colombia," he said.
"I was at the South American Youth Games in Santiago, Chile, and I've been thinking about Buenos Aires 2018 for a long time. I've heard that it's very well organized. I've seen videos of the Youth Olympic Village and I was impressed at how serious and professional these Games will be," he added.
Mejia said he rated the Youth Olympics on a par with any of the Youth Grand Slam tournaments.
"The Youth Olympic Games are very important for tennis," he said. "And the truth is that to be wearing the Colombian jersey is always extra motivation. It's an honour to play this kind of tournament. To be a Youth Olympic champion or win a [youth] Grand Slam has almost the same level of importance. I hope I can bring back a medal for my country and that it can be gold."
Osorio, who is coached by Colombian former world No. 48 Alejandro Falla, added: "I'm training a lot to give my best for my country. The goal now is to represent Colombia well and my dream is to bring back a medal - all the better if it's gold."
