By Kim Young Shin
Photos = Yonhap News

Although the Korean short-track speed skating team failed to meet its goal to achieve gold medals in the men’s 500 m, women’s 1000 m and men’s 5,000 m relay, their teamwork to console each other after the race moved Olympic spectators.

On Feb. 22, the last day for short-track speed skating races, Korean athletes slid off the track and fell behind the medalists in the men’s 5,000 m relay and in the women’s 1,000 m race at the Gangneung Ice Arena.

As Lim Hyojun, the skater that slid into the sidewall during the 5,000 m relay lowered his head and shed tears after finishing the race, his teammates surrounded him and patted him on the shoulders, saying that it was OK. The coaches also cheered the team for trying its best. The spectators clapped and chanted to encourage the athletes.

In the men’s 500 m race, Korea’s Hwang Daeheon and Lim Hyojun clinched a silver and a bronze.



During the press conference at Team Korea House at the Gangneung Olympic Park on Feb. 23, Kwak Yoongy, the eldest member of the team, commented on the relay, saying that, “It was the time when our efforts shined. I thank my fellow skaters for not giving up on the race.”

Hwang, the silver medalist, said, “I think we come first for effort, communication, and for getting together to train.”

The Korean short-track speed skating team won three gold medals, one silver and two bronze medals at the PyeongChang Winter Games.

ysk1111@korea.kr