Korea eyes another strong Olympic performance at Rio 2016

South Korea marked the 100-day countdown to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics Wednesday with a pledge to put on another strong performance in the medal race.

Sports officials and national team athletes who gathered at the National Training Center in northern Seoul for an open house event all expressed their desire to accomplish a common goal: finishing in the top 10 in medals for the fourth consecutive Olympics with at least 10 gold medals.

"I am certain that all the hard work put in by our athletes will bear precious fruits," said Kim Jung-haeng, president of the Korean Olympic Committee, at the press conference. "The KOC will spare no efforts in supporting our athletes until the very last minute."

The Rio Olympics, set for Aug. 5-21, will be the first Summer Games held in South America.

Kim acknowledged that the competing environment won't be ideal for the South Korean delegation, given the 12-hour time difference between Seoul and Rio, and political instability and safety concerns in the South American city. The KOC called for strong public support for the athletes so that they could overcome challenges on and off the field.

Chung Mong-gyu, chief of the South Korean delegation, said his most important responsibility is to help the athletes stay focused and perform to the best of their capabilities.

Chung, also the president of the Korea Football Association, said as important as it is to win medals, the people should also get behind athletes who may not reach the podium.

"Because of tough qualifying processes, it's difficult enough just to compete in the Olympics," Chung said. "I ask you to please take interest in and support every athlete in our delegation."

Choi Jong-sam, head of the National Training Center, predicted there could be some pleasant surprises in Rio.

"Athletes that may not be getting the spotlight are working so hard, and I think it's possible we'll see some unexpected medals,"

Choi said. "I've asked all the athletes to make sure they won't have any regrets after the Olympics."

The KOC said the national team launching ceremony will be held July 19 and the main delegation will depart for Rio on July 27.

As of Wednesday, 124 athletes in 15 sports have qualified for the Olympics, and the KOC predicted about 230 athletes in 27 sports will be competing in Rio. (Yonhap)