June 22, 2012: In this photo, North Korean judo coach Kye Sun Hui, center, trains players in Pyongyang, North Korea.
PYONGYANG, North Korea – North Korean judo gold medalist Kye Sun Hui is hoping the national judo team she's been coaching for the London Games will replicate her Olympic achievement that turned her into a national hero 16 years ago.
A delegation of North Korean athletes left for London on Tuesday with hopes of returning to Pyongyang to the same hero's welcome Kye received after winning a gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Kye is now a national team coach.
North Korea's state media said the country is sending 51 athletes to compete in 11 events at the Olympics.
Kye said in an interview during a recent practice that North Koreans have a good chance to win medals in judo events as young athletes practiced the moves at the backdrop of a sign calling for an "athletic legend" in the authoritarian country.
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