'Respect judgment X Shining 銀'HUMI'I memorized all the lyrics of the national anthem...I'll sing it in four years."

Jul 30, 2024

Hummi faced Brazil's Rafaela Silva in the women's judo match of 57kg held at the Chandmars Arena in Paris on the 29th (Korea time). Heo Mi-mi, who made it to the final, is cheering. Paris (France) = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.7.29/

"I memorized all the lyrics of the Korean national anthem... I really want to sing it at the next Olympics."

Heo Mi-mi (21, Gyeongbuk Sports Council, world No. 3), who has regained her first medal in Korean women's judo in eight years, delivered her promise four years later after missing the gold medal in the -57kg final at the Paris Olympics on the 29th.

Descendants of Independence fighters'HUMI won a brilliant silver medal in her first career Olympics. In the 57kg women's judo final held at the Chandmars Arena in Paris on the 29th, Hur Mi-mi won a silver medal instead of the gold medal with a dubious foul loss after a close game against Canada's Krista Deguchi (Canada).

Heo Mi-mi, a Korean-Japanese Korean with a Korean father and Japanese mother, hopes to become a member of the Korean national team for her grandmother who passed away in 2021Upon hearing the will, he gave up his Japanese citizenship and wore the 2022 national flag. After joining the Gyeongbuk Sports Council, with the help of head coach Kim Jung-hoon, he also learned that he was the fifth generation of independence activist Heo Seok, who was imprisoned for posting anti-Japanese texts during Japanese colonial era. Heo Mi-mi, who confirmed her roots, wrote in her Olympic bid to the Korean Judo Association that `The descendants of independence activists fly the Korean national flag in the French sky.'

Hummi won against Brazil's Rafaela Silva in the women's judo match of 57kg held at the Chandmars Arena in Paris on the 29th (Korea time). Heo Mi-mi, who advanced to the final, is hugging coach Kim Mi-jung with emotion. Paris (France) = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.7.29/

Before going to the Paris Olympics, Hur Mi-mi said she was memorizing the lyrics of the national anthem in preparation for winning the gold medal. When asked in the mixed zone immediately after the silver medal, "Did you memorize the entire national anthem?" Heo Mi-mi said, "I memorized all the lyrics of the national anthem, but it's a pity that I can't sing it. I want to sing it at the next Olympics" expressed his feelings. Krista Deguchi, who reached the final with no energy after a close game in the semifinals, failed to show her good skills against Hur Mi-mi. The game was decided on the map. In extra time, the referee called Hur Mi-mi a 'disguised attack' and missed the gold medal. Regarding the disappointing decision, Heo Mi-mi said, `I didn't know it was a camouflage, but I can't help it because it's a game. I should pay more attention to this part and do better", he admitted. Heo Mi-mi is not perfect, but she clearly expressed her feelings in honest and simple Korean. "I prepared well for the Olympics, but it's not that great to win a medal, but it's a little good." He revealed his honest feelings. "Actually, I was looking forward to winning the gold medal at the World Championships, and I was under pressure, but I want to tell you that I did a good job," he said with a smile. .

According to her grandmother's will, Heo Seok, an independence fighter who came to Korea from Japan and wore the Taegeuk mark, was asked about her grandmother and family. "I wanted to show my grandmother the gold medal, but I'm happy to show her the medal anyway. I want to tell my grandmother that I worked hard and I will continue to work hard." "Coming to the Paris Olympics, I felt so much proud of the national flag. I'm so happy that I can go to the finals with the national flag on."

"As a descendant of independence fighters, I will fly the Korean national flag in the Paris sky."Heo Mi-mi, who entered Paris with a bid of ", kept her promise. Asked what it would be like to see the national flag rising on the podium at the stadium under the Eiffel Tower, he said, `I would be impressed if I saw the national flag" he said.

Hummi advanced to the semifinals on the 29th (Korea time) by beating Mongolian Enkhilin LeHagbato in the women's 57kg quarterfinals at the Chandmars Arena in Paris. Hur Mi-mi is leaving with manager Kim Mi-jung with a big smile. Paris (France) = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.7.29/

Behind Hur Mi-mi was Kim Mi-jung, the women's team coach who won the first gold medal in Korean women's judo at the 1992 Barcelona Games. Coach Kim, who aspired more than anyone else to win the gold medal, said, `It is regrettable that the last leadership decision is made. Mimi didn't do it on purpose, she kept moving and tried to attack, and the opponent didn't attack much either... ," he said, expressing regret. At the same time, "We have to attack more reliably and do better in the end. He is still a young player and a good player with an infinite positive mind. If I make up for my shortcomings, I am sure that I will win a gold medal enough for the next Olympics."

Hur Mi-mi, who finished her first Olympics with a silver medal, asked what she wanted to do first, saying, "There are a lot of partner athletes here. I want to buy you delicious food and say thank you. I like pasta. We're going to go eat pasta together." When asked if there was a star she wanted to see, Hur Mi-mi hesitated. When she mentioned 'Nam Joo-hyuk' to her, who is known as a big fan of actor Nam Joo-hyuk, a sudden color turned on. "I miss you. Can I meet you? " Laughter spread in the mixed zone at the cute and honest answer of the silver medalist who returned as a female college student in her 20s.

sky4us@sportschosun.com