South Korea Wins Men's Archery Gold for Third Straight Olympics
Jul 30, 2024
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With this victory, South Korea's men's archery team has now won gold at three consecutive Olympics—following Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. The team achieved a 'perfect gold medal' by not losing a single set throughout the competition, including decisive wins in the quarterfinals (6-0 against Japan) and semifinals (5-1 against China). The gold medalists are often referred to as "The Greatest of All Time" due to their exceptional performance and teamwork.
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: The Veteran Leader
Kim Woojin, a veteran of the sport, has now competed in three Olympic Games, achieving gold in each one. This accomplishment places him among the elite figures in Korean archery, including Kim Soo-nyeong, Jang Yong-ho, and Im Dong-hyun. His role in the Paris Olympics was crucial as he took on the challenging third position, a strategic role that requires composure and skill. Kim Woojin noted, “Originally, I was the first runner, but by changing positions, we found the most suitable setup for our team. I took on the burdensome third position to ease the pressure on my teammates.”
He continued,"The first thing I remember is the Rio Games and winning my first gold medal. At that time, I realized that being the eldest brother, like Jin-hyuk was in Tokyo, was not an easy role. Even though I felt a great sense of pride, I understood the weight of responsibility it carried. Instead of focusing on my duties as the eldest, I chose to spend time with the other members casually. We built our bond naturally by hanging out, having fun together, and enjoying each other’s company without the formalities."
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Lee Wooseok made a significant impact on his Olympic debut. After previous near-misses, including failing to qualify for the Rio and Tokyo Games and only securing silver at the Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, Lee's performance in Paris was outstanding. From the quarterfinals to the semifinals, none of his arrows scored less than 9 points. The highlight was the final match, where he completed a 'perfect game' by hitting all six arrows in the 10-point zone. Lee Wooseok said, "As I was about to take the first shot in the final, I wasn't nervous at all. I thought, 'Ah, today is the day.' I just decided to enjoy it. I confidently told Woojin and Je Deok, 'It's okay, if we just do our best, we will definitely win. I'll hit 10 points.'" It was an insane level of confidence.
Lee Wooseok won the gold medal on his first Olympic stage. He remarked, "Life is unpredictable. If I hadn't been there, Kim Je Deok would have become a two-time champion. It was just the timing. I was destined to win gold in Paris. I think of it positively." He added, "I want to thank my teammates who went through this tough journey together. They really are like family. We prepared with everything we had to become a team."
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Kim Je Deok, known for his high-energy and motivational chants "Fighting", continued to inspire his team in Paris. During the quarterfinals, the referee warned him about a potential provocation. Kim Je Deok reflected, "I thought I was simply encouraging my team with a cheer of 'Let's go for our team,' but the opponent might have perceived it differently. It was a misunderstanding on my part." Nevertheless, he focused on strengthening his team's morale. Kim Je Deok tried not to dwell on his surroundings and instead concentrated on doing his best. He was determined to look inward and uplift his team rather than focus on the opponents.
Facing his second Olympics in his twenties was a new experience for him. Unlike the Tokyo Games, which had no spectators, this time he shot his bow in front of a lively audience. The final match, held against France, the host country, featured a spirited exchange between the cheering crowds of the two nations. Kim Je Deok remarked, "There were more spectators than I expected. The enthusiastic support from the crowd touched my heart and felt unusual before my first shot. Despite the heat and pressure, I enjoyed the game immensely. It was wonderful to experience something different from Tokyo and realize I was on the Olympic stage." Despite facing some challenges in preparation, he found joy in the process and was thrilled to win the gold medal thanks to his team's collective effort.
vanbasten@sportschosun.com
