The Hawaiian-born ozeki, who will perform in a sumo ritual virtually naked and march with the United States delegation in the ceremony's parade of nations, told reporters Friday ''I wouldn't mind joining an Olympics too. I want to win a gold medal.''

But the 190-kilogram grappler admitted that he was nervous about appearing in a ring-entering ritual with other wrestlers around the outdoor sumo ring during one interlude of the two-hour gala event wearing only a loincloth and ceremonial apron.

More nervous than in a sumo tournament?

''Yeah, more than the tournament. Everybody will be looking at my (behind) tomorrow,'' said Musashimaru, the winner of last month's New Year Grand Sumo Tournament. ''Everybody'll be peeking at whose (behind) is whose.''

Asked whether he would resort to patching body warmers or other means to keep warm in the midwinter cold, Musashimaru replied with a smile, ''I don't need that cause I have a lot of body fat.''

Musashimaru, now a resident of Japan for nine years, appeared to struggle at first with his English at the start of the 40-minute news conference with Eric Flaim, a three-time Olympic speed skating medalist who was chosen Thursday to carry the U.S. flag in the ceremony.

Regarding the roles he and fellow American, yokozuna Akebono, will play in presenting sumo to the world Saturday, Musashimaru said, ''I think it's all right, it's cool but...''

''It's very difficult to explain in English,'' he said suddenly in Japanese after trying for some seconds to get the right word, adding later that he was happy the sport was getting the worldwide exposure.

The 26-year-old wrestler, who now holds Japanese citizenship, said he was also happy that sumo, given provisional recognition as a potential Olympic sport last week, will be seen on television broadcasts in some 160 countries around the world.

However, asked about which side he will wrestle for should sumo makes its way onto the Olympic program, he said, ''Depends if they want me here. If they don't want me, then I'll wrestle for the United States.''

''But if I get the chance, I'll probably go back and wrestle for the U.S. team,'' he added.

(Kyodo News)