Monrovia — The Liberia National Olympics Committee has disclosed that for the first time in the history of the country, Liberia will feature "quailed Olympians" at this year's Olympics games in Beijing, China, with the expectation of being competitive.

In an interview with The NEWS Wednesday, Philibert Browne, President of LNOC revealed that at least three Liberian athletes based in the United States have qualified to represent Liberia at the games, all of whom he said, were qualified within the Olympics standard time.

Brown identified the athletes as Kia Davies, Siray Williams and Jangy Addy.

According to him, Davies is an "A" athlete and a college gold medalist. She will run in the women's 200-meter hurdle while Williams and Jangy are "B" athletes and would run in the men's 400-meter hurdle.

Mr. Browne said Liberia had been one of the least competitive nations in previous Olympics games because the country had participated in the games through the "wild card" situation in which unqualified athletes below the Olympics standard time were fielded to represent the country.

But in spite of this year's high expectation of Liberia's competitive performance, Browne lamented that getting the team to China is appearing very difficult as government is yet to make available funds for the team's preparation.

So far, Mr. Browne said it is the local Olympics committee that has been financing Liberia's preparation out of its local activities budget.

Some of the preparations included a US$3,000.00 costume for the Olympics parade, US$7,200.00 for booking of hotel rooms at the China World Hotel and US$7,000 for airline bookings.

Liberia is expected to send a 16-man delegation for the games which begin on August 8.

The main focus of the Liberian delegation is the athletes, but their air tickets and per dim are yet to be secured, according to Browne.

Although government is said to have budgeted US$94,000 for the Olympics which is yet to be made available, it is estimated that up to US$109,000 would be needed to facilitate the Liberian delegation.

The Youth and Sports Ministry could not be reached up to press time.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Monrovia will on Saturday evening host a dinner for the Liberian Olympics delegation at the Ambassador's residence in Sinkor.