High jumper Woo Sang-hyuk speaks during a press conference at the National Centre for Sports of the Defence in Fontainebleau, south of Paris, on Sunday. Yonhap News Agency
South Korea announced Sunday that high jumper Woo Sang-hyuk and swimmer Kim So-yeon will serve as flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the Paris Summer Olympics.
Lee Ki-heung, chairman of the Korean Olympic Committee, made the announcement at an open day event at the Korean training camp at the National Centre for Sports of the Defence (CNSD) in Fontainebleau, about 60 kilometres south of the French capital.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday on the iconic Seine River.
The 28-year-old Wu is considered a medal favorite in the men's high jump after finishing fourth at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and then emerging as one of the world's best jumpers, including victories at the 2022 World Indoor Championships and the 2023 Diamond League Final.
The 30-year-old Kim is competing in her fourth consecutive Olympic Games. She is the national record holder in the women's 200 meters and 400 meters individual medley.
Lee said athletes competing the day after the opening ceremony were not considered for the flag-bearer role. Qualifying for the men's high jump will begin on Aug. 7, while Kim's 200-meter individual medley will begin on Aug. 2.
Addressing a joint press conference at the CNSD, Wu said it was a “true honour” to be able to raise the national flag at the opening ceremony.
“This Olympics is different from any other competition. I'm really motivated,” Wu said. “I'm going to be more focused and practice harder than ever.”
Wu's personal best is 2.36m but believes he needs 2.37m to win gold in Paris.
“I love the tranquility here. It really suits me,” Wu said of the camp, called Team Korea Paris Platform, which includes a dining area, treatment rooms and training facilities for multiple sports. “I feel great. I can't wait to go to the stadium.”
Kim said she was especially looking forward to the unique opening ceremony that will take place on the river. “I'm really looking forward to the opening ceremony,” she said.
South Korea will send 143 athletes to 21 sports by August 11. This will be South Korea's smallest contingent to a Summer Olympics since 1976. (Yonhap News Agency)
