Young swimmer enjoys self
HANGZHOU, China -- After sending a message to the rest of the swimming competition at the Asian Games by winning the men's 50-meter freestyle heats Monday morning, South Korean swimmer Ji Yu-chan said he would take it a step further.
Ji set an Asian Games record with 21.84 seconds to top all qualifiers at Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Aquatic Sports Arena in the heats. With his confidence running at an all-time high, Ji declared he was now ready to win the gold medal in the final scheduled for the evening.
The 21-year-old then went out and did exactly that, breaking his own Asiad record to win the gold in 21.72 seconds.
"I had such a great time in the heats, and so I went out on a limb and made that declaration," Ji said. "I am happy I was able to make it come true."
That moment of self-fulfilling prophecy made Ji the first swimming champion for South Korea at this Asiad. On Day 2 of the swimming races, Ji also became the first non-Chinese swimmer to win a gold in the men's races.
"I watched every race yesterday, and saw Chinese swimmers sweeping up every gold medal," Ji said. "I figured it'd be nice if I could put a stop to that streak. I am really happy I've done it."
Ji said he had enough confidence in his abilities to talk the talk and then walk the walk.
"To be able to win this gold away from home, in China, means that much more to me," Ji said. "Hopefully, my teammates will pick it up from here and win more gold medals from now on."
Ji had earlier said his goal at this competition is to get into the 21-second territory. Accomplishing that goal will do wonders for his career, Ji said.
"This record and the gold medal make me fall more deeply in love with swimming," Ji said. "This will push me to keep working even harder."
Ji said he wanted to challenge the Asian continental record of 21.67 seconds, set by Shinri Shioura of Japan in April 2019.
"I came up just short there. I guess I was a bit more nervous than I thought," Ji said. "I am satisfied with my time but I won't be too content. I will continue to put in the work." (Yonhap)
下一篇:MBK chairman makes donation to promote Korean art at New York's Met
相关文章:
- S. Korean diplomat discusses NK human rights with US envoy
- BIFF expands award categories beyond Asian content to global titles
- Tapas bar explores modern interpretations of kimchi
- [Photo News] Floral Butterfly
- Foreign workers' deaths get weak sanctions
- TvN’s ‘Unexpected Business’ to return with season 3
- Tapas bar explores modern interpretations of kimchi
- ‘Art in Series’ embraces autumn delights
- Welcome Daehakro Festival lights up Seoul's stage hub
- NK sports broadcast labels S. Korea ‘puppets'
相关推荐:
- [Our Museums] Discover wisdom of hanok at Eunpyeong History Hanok Museum
- S. Korea sweeps up 2 gold medals at stake in recurve team events
- TvN’s ‘Unexpected Business’ to return with season 3
- First lady meets haenyeo, expresses respect, gratitude
- S. Korean diplomat discusses NK human rights with US envoy
- Tapas bar explores modern interpretations of kimchi
- BIFF expands award categories beyond Asian content to global titles
- ‘저위험 권총’ 예산 13억 받았지만…결국 ‘38구경’ 더 사기로
- HiteJinro to produce soju in Vietnam
- 'We overcame together': NCT127 returns on more solid ground
- Hyundai Rotem to showcase new ground weapons systems at Seoul expo
- Celltrion partners with US pharmacy chain for Yuflyma sales
- 163 S. Koreans arrive home from Israel on military aircraft
- [Herald Interview] Netflix's ‘Devil’s Plan’ expands realm of survival game shows
- S. Korea, US, Japan install trilateral communication hotline amid N. Korea, China challenges
- Supporters of Israel hold rally in Seoul, urge Hamas to stop atrocities
- Gimbap and hanja cramming: Life of Korean Studies students in Paris
- Supporters of Israel hold rally in Seoul, urge Hamas to stop atrocities
- Hyundai Rotem to showcase new ground weapons systems at Seoul expo
- Cast of ‘Norma’ says opera difficult to sing but easy to enjoy
- Political parties call for revision of military exemptions for athletes
- [Exclusive] 'Game of Thrones' publisher inks deal for Korean books for first time
- Yoon says improved relations between S. Korea, Japan are people's will
- Kia to expand EV lineup with mass market appeal
- [Photo News] 2023 Sea Art Festival returns to Busan's Ilgwang Beach
- S Korea, UAE to hold aviation talks over potential increase in bilateral flights