Taekwondo warriors get Olympic edge

The Taekwondo Association of Thailand (TAT) has hired three South Korean experts in its bid for a first gold medal at the London Olympics.

After the previous two Games, in which Thailand only managed a silver and a bronze, the TAT is leaving no stone unturned and is focusing on teamwork.

Longtime national coach Choi Young Seok will get some help from Kim Jaewoo, who has been assigned to teach technical skills to the Thai warriors. Choi Hyunming, who was physiologist for 2008 Games bronzewinner Rohullah Nikpai, will handle physiology, and Lee Hoikun acupuncture.

"This is the first time we have brought a physiologist and an acupuncturist into the team. Our athletes need to work on their upper body strength to prepare for physically strong fighters like the Iranians,'' said TAT boss Pimol Srivikorn.

"Acupuncture helps our athletes recover quickly from minor injuries and fatigue. We need to apply as many strategies as possible to make them the best in the world,'' Pimol added.

Apart from the three Koreans, a local psychologist has also been called in to help the trio with men