Olympic Delegation

[Anchor Lead]

The Korean national delegation headed to the Rio Olympic Games took part in a launch ceremony on Tuesday and vowed to finish among the top ten in medal counts for their fourth straight time. Here’s more.

[Pkg]

As they imagined Korea's national anthem resounding in Rio, Korean national athletes reaffirmed their resolution to do their best at the Olympic Games. The team flag was handed over to the delegation head Chung Mong-gyu. Korean flag patches were affixed to the delegates' chests, reminding them of the significance of representing Korea as national athletes.

[Soundbite] Kim Hyeon-woo(National wrestling team) : "I will show them Korea's swamp wrestling. Once you get trapped, you can't get out."

Boxer Ham Sang-myeong earned the last ticket to Rio just before the entry submission deadline. With him on board, Korea will send a delegation of 331 athletes. The delegation chose London Olympic fencing gold medalist Gu Bon-gil as the flag bearer at the opening ceremony. Captain's duties were assigned to Oh Yong-ran of the women's handball team, and pistol shooter Jin Jong-oh, aiming for his third straight Olympic gold medal.

[Soundbite] Jin Jong-oh(Olympic pistol shooter) : "I've been made captain for having been on the national team for a long time. Thank you. I'm going to have a great start and guide other Korean athletes well."

After the ceremony the athletes again took part in a safety and disease awareness lecture to meticulously prepare for a safe Olympic Games. The Korean delegation will depart for Rio beginning with the judo and fencing teams on the 22nd. They will initially stay in the United States and Sao Paulo to adjust to the time difference and get into full Olympic mode.