Japanese sprint queen Nao Kodaira arrived in South Korea on Sunday champing at the bit ahead of her double gold medal bid in the women's speed skating competition at the Pyeongchang Olympics.

Kodaira, unbeaten in the 500 meters at home or abroad in 24 races stretching back to last season and the current 1,000 world record holder, was greeted by a media throng at Yangyang International Airport as the majority of Japan's athletes touched down for the largest ever Winter Games.

"I can't wait to get to the venue and test out the rink," the 31-year-old captain of the Japan team told reporters.

"The South Korean people have given us a warm welcome and it really feels like they are trying to make the Olympics a success."

"So hopefully we can all show the appeal of winter sports. The most important thing for me (personally) is to compete as well as I can with my brand of skating," Kodaira said.

"I am representing Japan as the captain of the team but in every sport there are key athletes that really want to do well. I am one of those athletes and will give it my best shot."

The Japanese delegation flew to South Korea from Narita airport aboard a chartered jet after receiving flowers from supporters in a send-off ceremony. Of the 124 athletes representing Japan, 70 left the country on Sunday.

The Japanese Olympic Committee has set a goal of winning at least nine medals, including multiple golds, in Pyeongchang, which would surpass the eight medals won in Sochi -- Japan's largest haul in any Winter Olympics held outside of the country.

According to the Pyeongchang Olympic organizing committee, a record 2,925 athletes from 92 countries and regions are expected to participate in the event which sees its first competition on Thursday, the day before the opening ceremony.

Athletes will compete in 102 gold medal events in the Games that conclude on Feb. 25.