S. Korea determined to carry on strong Olympic tradition in Rio

With the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Games about a month away, South Korean athletes and sports officials said Tuesday they are determined to carry on a strong Olympic tradition.

The countdown to the first Olympics in South America will reach 30 days Wednesday, and the pre-Olympic media day at the National Training Center in Seoul on Tuesday provided an opportunity for the delegation leaders and medal hopefuls to discuss their goals.

Kim Jung-haeng, co-president of the Korean Olympic Committee (KOC), said South Korea will do its best to post its fourth consecutive top-10 finish in the Summer Olympics medal race, despite challenges ahead.

"I am certain that our athletes' dedication and hard work will bear fruit next month," he said. "They will have to overcome the 12-hour time difference and the flight of more than 20 hours. With political and social unrest, we foresee more difficulties this year than at any of the previous Olympics."

Chung Mong-gyu, the head of the South Korean delegation, said he feels "a strong sense of responsibility" to help the athletes perform to the best of their abilities.

"For our athletes, taking part in the Olympics is a great honor but it also puts a lot of pressure on them," Chung said. "As the head of the delegation, I will serve as their caretaker and spare no effort to make sure they will leave the Olympics with no regrets."

Chung, also the president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), said the athletes, more than anything else, will need the people's support and interest.

"Our athletes are pushing their limits every day," Chung added. "And I believe they will be able to feed off fan support." (Yonhap)