Posted August. 05, 2016 07:56,
Updated August. 05, 2016 08:03
Until now, it was Son who gave continued support to Hur. A year junior to Hur, Son was a huge fan of him, and frequently visited the Yonsei University basketball court. "Son rarely missed matches held at the university basketball court," Hur said. "We became good friends after several greetings and lunches at the school cafeteria."
Sat in a corner of a basketball court, Hur carefully wrote down his message that read, "Way to go at the Rio Olympics, Son!" to Son who will compete at the Olympics. While satisfied with his handwriting, Hur pondered for a moment and added "Best Wishes!"
"We were both tied to tight training schedules, so it's really been a while since we've met each other. I guess it will be strange when we meet again (chuckle)." During the years, Son spent more time in Russia for her off-season training. Hur also left the university in his junior year to join the pro league. While both joined the national teams at the Universiade Gwangju 2015, Hur could not visit the gymnastics arena due to his schedules. With much left to be desired, Hur repeatedly asked to "send my message to Son in Rio."
Physical condition matters to both rhythmic gymnast and basketball players, and this is exactly the same burden both players are carrying. While the 22-year-old gymnast needs to come up with a unique program to compete with long-limbed Europeans boasting dynamic performances, the 23-year-old basketball player needs to strength his physical presence to tussle with global players 20 centimeters taller than him.
Now prepping to vie for a ticket to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Hur commented on Son's trip to Rio in what might be her last appearance in the Olympics. "I never knew rhythmic gymnasts retire so early," he said. "I heard a lot about Son since my college days that she's a perfectionist. It will be her last Olympics, so I wish she nails it this time."
"You're always welcome to cheer for Dongbu Promy next season," Hur left another message to Son.