[Olympics] A Rain in the Drought... Kim Min-seok, Korea's First Medal

President Moon: "New History in 1500m, Two Consecutive Wins"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] "I never imagined that I would be the one to win the first medal." Kim Minseok (Seongnam City Hall), who competed in the men's 1500m speed skating event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, brought a much-needed bronze medal to the Korean team on the 8th, ending a severe 'medal drought.'

This was good news not only for the local team but also for the citizens eagerly awaiting medal news. President Moon Jae-in sent a congratulatory message, saying, "He made history as the first Asian athlete to win consecutive medals in the difficult 1500m event, giving great pride to the nation."

Few expected Kim Minseok to win the first medal. It was anticipated that a short track skater, Korea’s Winter Olympics stronghold, or the snowboarding star ‘Baechuboy’ Lee Sangho would be the one, but Kim Minseok succeeded. Kim said, "Because there were so many incidents (biased short track judgments), I thought I should win a medal to encourage the team."

Kim Minseok is the same athlete who won the bronze medal in the men's 1500m at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics four years ago. Beyond being the ‘first Asian’ to win a medal, he achieved outstanding results in two consecutive games. The men's 1500m speed skating requires speed and endurance. European athletes from the Netherlands, Norway, and Russia, who have overwhelming physical advantages, usually dominate. Kim Minseok broke through that barrier as an Asian. He first connected with skating through short track in elementary school. He switched to speed skating, which he started for straight track training, and showed promise in the sport.

Kim Minseok is 178 cm tall and weighs 70 kg, smaller in build than European athletes. He overcame this weakness through consistent weight training and honing his cornering technique.

Kim Minseok’s challenge at the Beijing Olympics is just beginning. He is preparing to compete in the men's 1000m and team pursuit events. At the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, Kim won a silver medal in the team pursuit alongside Lee Seunghoon (IHQ) and Jeong Jaewon (Uijeongbu City Hall). The team pursuit event is scheduled for the quarterfinals on the 13th and the finals on the 15th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.