RIO DE JANEIRO, July 12 (Xinhua) -- The 2008 Beijing Olymic Games are the focus of many of the 5,662 athletes from 42 nations competing at the Pan-American Games, which begins on Friday, because the Rio Games awards places for Beijing.

Ten of Rio Games's disciplines will award winners an automatic place in Beijing, under Pan American Sporting Organization rules. They are athletics, swimming, handball, judo, triathlon, shooting, tennis, field hockey, horse riding and table tennis.

These sports are guaranteed to have the Americas' best athletes, while in some others including basketball, soccer and baseball, not all nations sent their best.

On example is Argentina's Lionesses, the women's field hockey team. Luciana Aymar, the team's captain, has said publicly that she aims to win the Pan-Americans and the Olympics so she can retire at 30.

Argentine athletes with the same goals on their mind include swimmers Jose Meolans and Georgina Bardach; pole vaulter German Chiaraviglio and shot putter German Lauro.

Brazilian swimmer Thiago Pereira hopes to break his own record for the most medals won by a Brazilian at one Games. He has entered seven competitions from the 100-meters backstroke to the 400-meter freestyle. He also has an eye on Beijing, where he wants to be the best Brazilian swimmer.

Another Brazilian with the same things on his mind is Jader Gregorio, South America's top triple-jumper. He arrived in Rio just weeks after setting a regional record of 17.9 meters.

Leading Venezuelan swimmer Abert Subiratis also aims to collect medals on his way to Beijing.

Cuba's team contains several who aim to qualify for the BeijingOlympics: the leading figures include javelinist Osleidys Menendez,shot putter Yumileidi Cumba, and distance runner Ivan Pedroso.

Mexico's Beijing-focused athletes include runner Ana Guevara, while Panamanian long jumper Irving Saladino will also be aiming to qualify.