By Kim Young Shin

Korean speed skater Kim Tae-Yun celebrated winning the bronze medal in the men’s 1,000 m race at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games held at the Gangneung Oval on Feb. 23.

Skating in the 15th pair, Kim clocked a time of 1:08.22, which is close to his season best of 1:08.08.

He kept his eyes on the screen as high-ranking athletes finished the race. When he secured a spot on the medal podium, he shouted in joy.

Dutch skater Kjeld Nuis won the gold and Norwegian skater Havard Lorentzen silver.

“Sochi 2014 was my Olympic debut and I was greedy back then. I got good results this time because I tried not to be nervous and to enjoy the game,” said Kim after the race. "My body felt lighter even before the warm up thanks to the support from the fans.”

Korean speed skaters clinched five medals – three silver and two bronze -- in PyeongChang so far. They will race for some more medals in the men’s and women’s mass start on Feb. 24.

ysk1111@korea.kr