Jincheon: Olympic veterans and first-time participants are preparing to push each other at the upcoming Winter Games in Milan-Cortina. Still only 24 years old, figure skater Cha Jun-hwan is gearing up for his third Winter Olympics. He expressed excitement for his third participation, akin to his Olympic debut eight years ago.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cha made these remarks at a joint national team press conference at the Jincheon National Training Center, marking the 30-day countdown to the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. He was joined by fellow skaters Kim Hyun-gyeom, Shin Ji-a, and Lee Hae-in. Cha, with prior Olympic experience, finished 15th in 2018 and fifth in 2022, the highest for a South Korean male singles skater. He anticipates strong performances from his teammates in Milan, emphasizing their hard work and the ultimate goal of winning a medal.
Kim Hyun-gyeom, 19, who claimed the men's singles title at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics, aims to leverage that experience in his first senior Olympics. Kim is determined to leave it all on the ice and hopes to achieve a top finish. Meanwhile, Shin Ji-a, who excelled in Olympic trials, looks forward to competing against world-class athletes and aims to overcome her nervousness to deliver a solid performance.
Lee Hae-in faced challenges after a suspension two years ago but was reinstated last year. As a 2023 world silver medalist, Lee views Olympic qualification as a stepping stone for future growth. In short track speed skating, three-time Olympic champion Choi Min-jeong will compete alongside first-timers like Kim Gil-li and Rim Jong-un. Choi, 27, values the opportunity to compete with younger athletes, believing in their potential to strengthen South Korea's short track presence.
Rim Jong-un, the youngest South Korean short tracker at 18, is committed to making his sacrifices count, aiming to skate with confidence and skill. Kim Gil-li, 21, with multiple world championship medals, is eager to add an Olympic medal to her achievements. Lee June-seo, a second-time Olympian, expects the women's team to win multiple medals, praising their recent progress.
Ryu Seung-min, president of the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee, resonates with the athletes' ambitions, emphasizing the shared dream of Olympic participation and the balance between experienced and young athletes.