Aussie Olympics great makes stunning prediction about how many gold medals the nation can win in Paris

Former Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates has said the country can win a maximum of 60 medals at the Paris Games.

The current vice-president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) also believes that rising track and field star Jessica Hull is good enough to match Australian athlete Cathy Freeman when she competes in the 1500 metres.

“I’m really excited about what’s coming. This is a strong Australian team and I think we’re going to do really well,” Coates said.

“It’s hard to say exactly where we’ll end up, but I think we’ll end up somewhere in the 50 to 60 medal region.”

Australia’s largest ever medal haul came in Sydney in 2000, with 58 athletes – including 16 gold – winning on home soil.

Considering the Australian swimmers likely to excel in the pool, plus players like canoeist Jess Fox and the Boomers basketball team, that number could well be surpassed in the City of Love.

Coates also has no doubts that Hull can go home with a gold medal.

I think they are a [global] “star,” he said News Corp.

The current vice-president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) also believes that track and field star Jessica Hull is good enough to match Australian athlete Cathy Freeman when she competes in the 1500 metres.

Coates expects the Dolphins swim team to make its mark on the pool (pictured Emma McKeon)

‘One of the great things about the past four years has been the revival of our track and field team.

‘Jessica Hull…..what she’s doing at the moment is incredible. ‘I’m also looking forward to seeing our swimmers and the rowing.’

Meanwhile, the Australian men’s sevens team are in good form on Wednesday AEDT with hard-fought pool victories against Samoa (21-14) and Kenya (21-7).

John Manenti’s men have already advanced to the quarter finals, with one group match still to be played.

Australia next play Argentina on Thursday evening at 22:30 AEDT, with the quarter-finals taking place on Friday.

They are not expected to rest any of their stars as a loss will likely see them play hosts France or Fiji in the quarter-finals.

“If we bring France in, there will be some pressure and expectations on them,” said Manenti.

‘There is a great atmosphere out there. I was there when France went through and the noise was deafening – as it should be.

Defender Steph Catley will lead the Matildas in Paris while striker Sam Kerr is injured

‘They play at home, have a great team and are competing for a medal.

“That’s what makes this tournament so special, to be honest.”

The Australian Women’s Sevens team will take on South Africa in their first match on July 29 from 00:00 AEDT, before playing Great Britain (03:30, July 29) and Ireland at 22:30 AEDT.

Tony Gustavsson’s Matildas take on Germany in Marseille on July 26 from 03:00 AEDT, followed by games against Zambia (July 29, 03:00) and the USA (August 1, 03:00).

Steph Catley will captain the team in the absence of injured striker Sam Kerr.