Fabian Hambuechen doesn't see himself as the top favourite for the men's all-around gymnastics gold medal at the Beijing Olympics in the injury-related absence of 2004 champion Paul Hamm, dpa reported.
The German, who won the all-around silver and the horizontal bar gold at the 2007 world championships, said after training on Sunday that he is just one of several contenders for the big prize.
"There are enough guys in the all-around like Yang Wei ( China), Hiroyuki Tomita ( Japan), Jonathan Horton (US) and several Russian guys. I think first place is very hard to get because Yang Wei is very strong," said Hambuechen.
Wei, 28, has experience and the home advantage on his side and beat Hambuechen for a second straight all-around world title last year.
"I was second last year so I know I have a good chance to get a medal. It has to be a perfect day because there are many guys fighting for a medal," said Hambuechen.
Hambuechen reiterated that "it is a pity for Paul Hamm that he can't compete here." The American hero withdrew last week stating a hand injury.
Looking at the team event, Hambuechen said that the rest of the world was only fighting for bronze because gold and silver "is already taken by China and Japan."