Incheon, Korea, June 23, 2024: Woo Haram made a small piece of South Korean diving history at the Tokyo Olympics when he finished fourth in the men's 3-meter springboard. It was the best performance by a South Korean diver at an Olympic Games, Yonhap News reports.
With his nagging back injury now behind him, Woo has reasons to believe he can do even better this summer in Paris.
"Before Tokyo, I couldn't even train as much as I wanted because of the pandemic. The buildup couldn't have been worse," Woo said during a national team media day at the Jincheon National Training Center on June 18.
"This year, I feel so much better physically. And my technical training has been going well, too. I think my preparation for Paris has been much better than for Tokyo."
Woo had been plagued by lower back issues until earlier this year, but he claimed he is fully healthy now.
"With physical issues gone, I started feeling better mentally as well," the 26-year-old diver said. "And because I've been training in such a positive mindset, I've been able to get into great form."
Korea will also pin its diving medal hopes on Kim Su-ji, the reigning world bronze medalist in the women's 3m springboard.
Standing on the world championships podium in Doha this year was a major boost to her confidence, Kim said.
"I think this Olympics should be a fun one," said Kim, who had previously competed at the 2012 and 2020 Olympics but failed to reach any final. "I feel great and I think my preparation is moving in the right direction. I expect good results in Paris."