Arriving at the Beijing international airport on Monday, Juliana Silva of Brazil insisted her knee injury will not affect her chances of adding a beach volleyball Olympic gold to her career total.

"It is very happy to be here in Beijing," said Silva, a player of the third-ranked duo in the world.

The 24-year-old athlete suffered a cruciate ligament injury in her knee at the Grand Slam event in Paris last month, but she decided to receive physical therapy instead of surgery and continue to strengthen the muscles in her legs to compensate for the knee's instability.

"There was a time that it was not possible for me to Beijing, but finally I arrived here. I am so happy and I have high expectations for the Olympics," added Silva.

Silva, won the 21 FIVB World Tour tournament champions with Larissa Franca, spoke highly of her partner.

"She is a big partner, and a big friend. I wish we will be friends forever and play together forever," she said. "I want to begin training as soon as possible and I wish we could get the gold medal in Beijing."

Brazil, biding for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, will send a record 277 athletes to Beijing, hoping they can win more medals than four years ago.

(Xinhua News Agency August 5, 2008)