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Korean halfpipe snowboarders vow to win medal at Pyeongchang Olympics

Korean halfpipe snowboarders vow to win medal at Pyeongchang Olympics

Posted December. 26, 2015 15:33,   

한국어

Kim Ho-joon (25) and Lee Gwang-gi (22), members of the Korean national halfpipe snowboarding team, have not participated in any competitions this season to focus on strengthening their basic skills.

Kim Ho-joon took part in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games as the first Korean snowboarder. Lee Gwang-ki was the first Korean athlete to advance to the final at the 2015 FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships in January this year. The two snowboarders who returned home on Wednesday after completing an overseas training session in the U.S. seem to be full of confidence. Kim said, “As I worked hard to improve my basic skills, advancing my technique as well,” while Lee said, “Even though we could not participate in the competitions this season, it was great because we had ample time to practice.”

“We analyzed how to narrow their gaps in capability with world-class athletes. I had them practice high jumps and remove small motions. The two athletes elevated their jumps further by 60 centimeters to 80 centimeters," Coach Kim Soo-cheol said. "As they stayed in the air for a longer time, they improved technique as well. They also corrected their postures. If they can only master techniques that they currently use, they will be able to win a medal at the World Cup.”

Both athletes have been serving as members of the national team together for about eight years, and have snowboarded together for over 10 years. Lee said, “I have never considered Ho-joon a rival. We both benefit from each other. I wish that he achieves more than me," and Kim said, “We are like a family more than a real family. We are like biological brothers.”

The duo will leave again for the U.S. where the World Cup will take place early next month. “I have confidence of winning a medal at the World Cup. Gwang-ki and I will achieve good outcome so that Koreans can enjoy skiing and snowboarding sports at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics,” Kim said.

The two players were heading to the training site again on Thursday, saying, “We should not lose our athletic sense in the sport (Kim Ho-joon),” and “I will take a rest while snowboarding (Lee Gwang-ki).”



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