Chinese athletes have in general done better than expected at the World University Games in South Korea. However, some athletes were affected by the weather and other factors. Liu Wei reports.

Liu Wei: China is relatively weak in track and field, so seeing Chinese athletes win a respectable five gold medals, two silvers and two bronzes at the Universiade comes as a pleasant surpise to Chinese sports fans.

Athletics team manager Hu Xinmin says the Chinese squad excelled themselves, and many of the athletes got very close to or exceeded their personal bests.

"Our athletes have done well. They are confident in competition, and most of them brought out their best performances. They also have good self-discipline, eating and sleeping at the right times, for example. All this helped them do their very best."

In particular, he says China's women athletes did much better than expected in the 100 meters, shot put, discus and hammer.

However, the official also points out that China's overall level in athletics still lags behind that of some developed countries, and the University Games is best seen as an opportunity for young Chinese athletes to gain experience of international competition. For example, the Games have proved useful in exposing some problems.

"There is the problem of the athletes' susceptibility to some external influences, such as bad weather, the surrounding environment and even the cheering of the spectators."

Hu Xinmin says such factors contributed to his athletes not doing as well as expected in walking and the pole vault.

However, he is pleased that overall China's athletes can be proud of themselves, and they also had a great time.

Liu Wei, CRI News, Daegu South Korea.