Cho Won-sang's last challenge with 'Disappointed', failed to advance to the 100m butterfly final

Aug 29, 2024

Cho Won-sang (31, Suwon Sports Council for the Disabled) is making a strong start in the 100m preliminary round for the men's butterfly (grade S14) at the 2024 Paris Paralympics at La Defense Arena in Paris, France, on the afternoon of the 29th (Korea time). Presented by the Korea Sports Council for the Disabled

Cho Won-sang (31, Suwon Sports Council for the Disabled)'s Paralympics 'Last Challenge' ended with regret. The disc of his back eventually blocked him in front of him.

Cho Won-sang failed to advance to the final round of the men's 100m (S14 grade) at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Cho finished seventh in the group with a time of 59.92 seconds in the Paralympic men's 100m butterfly preliminaries (S14 grade) held at La Defense Arena in Paris, France on the afternoon of the 29th (Korea time). In the end, they failed to qualify for the final round, which is given to the top eight in 11th place. '11th place in the preliminary round' became his last Paralympic performance. Cho Won-sang won a bronze medal (freestyle) at the 2012 London Paralympics, but failed to pass the final round in the last challenge 12 years later due to a back disk.

Jo Won-sang (31, Suwon Sports Council for the Disabled) is showing off by cutting through the current in the 100m preliminary round for the men's butterfly (grade S14) at the 2024 Paris Paralympics at La Defense Arena in Paris, France, on the afternoon of the 29th (Korea time). Presented by the Korea Sports Council for the Disabled

Cho Won-sang, who was diagnosed with intellectual disability at the age of 5, started swimming in elementary school when his physical education teacher recommended him to his mother that it was good for his large muscles. I stopped swimming in the sixth grade and did cross-country for a while, but the skiing didn't suit his personality, so I came back to the water in the third year of middle school. The water matched well with Jo Won-sang. He became a member of the national swimming team and even won a Paralympic medal. That's how he went on stage for the fourth time at the Paralympics. I thought 'It's over' but I'm sorry that I couldn't get the result. Herniated disc was the problem.

After the game, Cho Won-sang, who met in the joint coverage area, was full of buoyant marks all over his body. Showed how hard he worked for one stroke. Cho Won-sang said, `It would be nice to have the next opportunity, but it's a shame.' `There is a difference of 12 years from the players in the game. I have a student raised by a player I was competing with, and I hope that Korea will have a good player on the same level as me."

Cho Won-sang (31, Suwon Sports Council for the Disabled) is checking the record after finishing the 100m qualifying round for the men's butterfly (grade S14) at the 2024 Paris Paralympics at La Defense Arena in Paris, France, on the afternoon of the 29th (Korea time). Presented by the Korea Sports Council for the Disabled

He also expressed regret about the environment of the pool. The La Defense Arena swimming pool is a makeshift arena for the Olympic/ Paralympic Games. Therefore, the water depth (2.1m) is lower than the average competition (3m). Cho Won-sang said "There were some areas where the swimming pool itself didn't fit me. It feels a bit weird, but I have to admit that we're all in the same situation"The whole body was heavy. I had to go to the final because it was the last time, but the record didn't come out." In addition, it is cold at night because the supplies (such as blankets) in the athletes' village are tailored to the Olympic athletes. This is also very unfortunate."

Cho Won-sang (31, Suwon Sports Council for the Disabled) expresses his feelings after finishing the 100m qualifying round for the men's butterfly (grade S14) at the 2024 Paris Paralympics at La Defense Arena in Paris, France, on the afternoon of the 29th (Korea time). Presented by the Korea Sports Council for the Disabled

Cho Won-sang has donated to the Special Olympics (Olympics for People with Developmental Disabilities) if he receives prize money or rewards. After that, he said he would continue his activities for young players.

Meanwhile, Lee In-guk (28, Ansan Sports Council for the Disabled), who competed in the men's 100m butterfly with Cho Won-sang, also failed to advance to the final, ranking ninth in the preliminary with a time of 59.15 seconds. On this day, the crowd was full up to the second floor at La Defense Arena even though it was a weekday. Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Yoo In-chon also visited the stadium to support Cho Won-sang, Lee In-guk, and Kang Jeong-eun (23, Dalseo-gu Office in Daegu).

wman@sportschosun.com