Seoul: South Korean swimmer Kim Woo-min announced his ambition to secure his second consecutive MVP honor for the national team at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. Kim, who was previously named the top athlete for South Korea at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, after clinching three gold medals, expressed his determination to repeat the feat at a press event on Thursday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim shared his aspirations with reporters before the national delegation launch ceremony at the Jincheon National Training Center, located 85 kilometers south of Seoul. "I would love to win my second straight MVP award," Kim stated, acknowledging the challenge ahead but committed to giving his best effort. As the reigning champion in the men's 400-meter and 800-meter freestyle events, as well as the men's 4x200m freestyle relay, he is focused on winning as many medals as possible, with particular emphasis on the 400m freestyle, which he considers his most important race.
Despite dealing with a minor shoulder injury, Kim assured that it would not impede his training. Other South Korean athletes preparing for the Sept. 19-Oct. 4 competition also conveyed their hopes and ambitions. Lee Da-hyun, a prominent middle blocker for the women's national volleyball team, aims to reach the podium after South Korea's fifth-place finish at the 2023 Asian Games, which marked the first time the team did not win a medal in women's volleyball since 2006. Lee expressed her growing patriotism and camaraderie with teammates as the event approaches.
Seo Chang-wan, a promising talent in modern pentathlon, enters his second Asian Games appearance with confidence. Fresh from his success at the world championships in China, where he won a mixed relay gold and a men's individual bronze, Seo emphasized the importance of pacing himself after the recent competition and focusing on his form in the weeks leading up to the Games.
Meanwhile, B-boy Kim Hong-hyul, known as Hong 10, is embracing his role as an athlete. The 2023 Asian Games silver medalist, at age 41, aims to improve his performance this time around. Kim emphasized the importance of enjoying the experience and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his skills at his age.