"Is It a Free Pass?" Controversy Over China's Short Track Final Qualification... Kwak Yoon-gi Says "It's Quite Possible"

On the 11th, Li Wenlong is falling during the men's 5000m relay semifinal of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics short track held at the Beijing Capital Indoor Stadium.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Seoyoung] Opinions are divided regarding China's advancement to the final in the men's 5000m relay short track speed skating event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

On the 11th at the Beijing Capital Indoor Stadium, the men's 5000m relay short track semifinals took place. In heat 1, Chinese representative Li Wenlong fell after his skate blade collided with that of Canadian representative Pascal Dion 11 laps before the finish line. Afterwards, Ren Ziwei touched the fallen Li Wenlong and continued the race, but the Chinese team ultimately crossed the finish line in last place.

Since only the top two teams from each heat advance to the final in the semifinals, it seemed that the Chinese team's advancement to the final was unlikely. However, the situation changed after video review. The judges determined that Li Wenlong fell due to an accidental incident, and the Chinese team was granted an advancement by the referees, securing a ticket to the final.

In response, Chinese netizens expressed comments such as "I cried watching the players who fell and got back up to run again," and "The unity of the Chinese team can be trusted forever." However, some Korean commentators broadcasting the event showed contrasting reactions, seemingly aware of the multiple rulings previously favoring China. SBS caster Bae Seongjae described the Chinese team's rescue as "China getting a free pass."

On the 11th, at the Beijing Capital Indoor Stadium, during the men's 5000-meter relay semifinal of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics short track, South Korea's Kwak Yoon-gi celebrated with his teammates, including Hwang Dae-heon, after finishing first with a fantastic cornering performance.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

On the other hand, Yangyang A, the chairman of the athletes' committee of the organizing committee who watched the match on site, explained, "According to the new regulations of the International Skating Union (ISU), when uncontrollable situations such as skate blade collisions occur, referees can make decisions based on the players' positions and other factors." Yangyang A added, "Video review determines whether the involved player can advance to the next round," and "Situations like skate blade collisions are relatively rare and very unexpected."

Gwak Yoon-gi (Goyang City Hall), the eldest member of the Korean team who delivered an explosive race as the last runner and led a comeback, also commented on China's advancement, saying, "It is something that can definitely happen." He explained, "In cases where skate blades touch, advancement is often granted. Such a ruling was made during the last World Cup as well. I watched the video review, and it was not an unfair advancement."

Meanwhile, it was revealed that the referee for the men's 5000m relay short track semifinal was Peter Wis, an International Skating Union referee. He was the same referee who disqualified Hwang Daeheon (Gangwon Province Office), who finished first in heat 1 of the men's 1000m short track semifinal on the 7th, and Lee Junseo (Korea National Sport University), who placed second in heat 2. At that time, the two Korean players failed to advance to the final due to questionable rulings, allowing two Chinese players to advance to the final.

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