Milan: Soon after claiming his first Olympic medal in Milan on Thursday, short track speed skater Rim Jong-un received a flood of congratulatory messages from family and friends. The bronze medalist in the men's 1,000 meters at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics had yet to read them by early Friday afternoon, as he went to bed immediately after a late dinner and was back at the Milano Ice Skating Arena for a training session starting at noon.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the 18-year-old Rim found time to watch highlights of another South Korean athlete, the 17-year-old halfpipe snowboard champion Choi Gaon. Choi's performance was remarkable, overcoming a lower body injury from a fall during her first run at Livigno Snow Park and scoring an impressive 92.50 points in her final run. Her gold medal was South Korea's first in a snow event at this year's Olympics.

Choi's emotionally charged performance, despite her injury, inspired Rim even through his phone screen. "I'd heard she had some problems during her competition, but she never gave up and ended up winning the gold medal," Rim expressed after his training session. "Even though she is younger, it is something I can learn from her."

Rim's achievement was equally commendable. During his first Olympic final, he executed a strategic move in the final corner to advance from last place to secure the bronze medal. "For most of the season, I've been working on making passes on the outside, and I have a lot of confidence with it," Rim stated.

Looking ahead, Rim is set to compete in the 500m, 1,500m, and the men's 5,000m relay in Milan. He shared his confidence gained from the 1,000m event and his intentions for the upcoming 1,500m race. "I feel more comfortable now, and I will try to keep trusting myself in the 1,500m," he remarked, keeping his strategies close to the chest.