Injured South Korean gymnast Yang Hak-seon has registered for the upcoming Olympic trials, though his status remains doubtful, officials said Friday.

The Korea Gymnastics Association said Yang submitted his entry for the May 21-22 national team trials in Seoul. The 2012 Olympic champion in the men's vault, however, is still recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon in his right foot, sustained during practice on March 23.

At the time of the injury, KGA officials said rehab would take three to four months and it seemed "almost impossible" for Yang to be available for the Rio de Janeiro Summer Games in August.

At a press conference on May 3, Yang said he would attend the national team trials without actually competing in events. He also admitted his chances of competing in Rio were fading but said he was still holding on to his hope.

Kim Chang-seok, who coaches Yang at the Suwon City Hall club, also predicted Yang won't be able to compete.

"The injured foot is still very tender," Kim said. "And if he exerts himself too much, it could jeopardize his career."

The KGA may still put Yang on the national team based on his track record. Earlier this month, Han Choong-sik, head of the performance improvement committee at the KGA, said the national governing body would have to create a new rule where it can select an athlete who didn't compete in the Olympic trials.

Han also said if Yang is able to take part in the Olympic trials, then his performance and conditioning -- regardless of his rankings -- would be the basis of the KGA's national team selection.

Han insisted Friday that it's entirely up to Yang whether to compete at the trials. (Yonhap)