Chief of S. Korea's Olympic team vows top-10 finish in Vancouver

SEOUL, Feb. 1 (Yonhap) -- The chief of South Korea's Olympic team said Monday
that he and his athletes will do their best to claim a spot in the top 10 medal
standings, winning at least five golds, at the Vancouver Winter Olympics opening
this month.

"In the past, South Korea expected medals only in the short track speed skating
event. But now figure skating and speed skating can also bring home medals at the
upcoming Olympics," said Park Sung-in, the head of the 46-player delegation, at a
bull session with journalists held at a restaurant in downtown Seoul.
"We will certainly achieve the top-10 finish with at least five gold medals."
South Korea stood seventh in the medal tally, grabbing six golds, all from short
track speed skating, in the Turin Winter Games held in 2006.
For the Vancouver Olympics, the South Korean squad includes 37 officials to
support 46 athletes to compete in the skating, skiing, biathlon and sledding
events.
"The officials are obliged to help athletes stay and compete comfortably in
Vancouver," said Park, who currently heads the Korea Skating Union and also led
the national Olympic squad in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games. "We will make
thorough preparations for them to stay and compete comfortably."
The team departs for Canada on Feb. 5, and will attend the opening ceremony at BC
Place Stadium on Feb. 12.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)

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