The Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) president Jose Maria Odriozola on Thursday said the country will send at least 48 athletes to the London Olympics.

"Now we have 48 athletes qualified for the games, but the final squad can reach 52 or 53 as some athletes are still fighting for the tickets to London before the deadline of July 8," Odriozola said.

"The number will be approximately the same as that of the last Olympics in Beijing," he added.

Spain's athletics team will be spearheaded by Ruth Beitia, who won the gold medal in high-jump in the recent European Championships.

The team also includes stars David Bustos (men's 1,500m) and Victor Garcia (3,000m steeplechase), both of whom won bronze medals in the Championships.

"I hope they can bring good results from London. I know it's hard to win medals but I wish Spain's athletics team can be among the top 10 in the games."