By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
President Lee Myung-bak Thursday encouraged athletes who will participate in the Beijing Olympics next month, saying their victories will give courage to the Korean people who are having difficult times due to an economic downturn.
``You have so far overcome various challenges successfully and will depart for Beijing in several days. I'm very proud of you,'' Lee said during his visit to the National Training Center in Taeneung, northwestern Seoul. ``People will gain confidence from your victories in Beijing. You can earn medals, or not. The most important part is doing your best and keeping in good health until the Olympics wrap up.''
Along with Lee Elisa, a Korean table tennis legend and now chief of the training center, Lee visited gymnasiums and had brief conversations with athletes. He had a breakfast together with athletes at a cafeteria.
South Korea aims to win at least 10 gold medals and reach the top 10 in medal rankings in the Olympics that will begin on Aug. 8.
South Korea will award $50,000 to each gold medallist, and $25,000 and $15,000 to silver and bronze medallists, respectively. In the Athens Olympics in 2004, the country finished ninth in the medal count with 30 medals ― nine gold, 12 silver and nine bronze.
Rewards for medal winners will be more than double those given in the 2004 Athens Olympics, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture.
``Medals are only one result. The Korean people are proud regardless of how you do in matches,'' Lee said.