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| South Korean speed skater Lee Seung-hoon reacts after winning the men's mass start at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Saturday. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul |
By Yi Whan-woo
Lee Seung-hoon skated 37,400 meters at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics alone, showing how intensively he trains and keeps in shape as a top athlete.
He was the only South Korean speed skater at PyeongChang to compete in the men's four long distance events -- 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters, team pursuit and mass start.
Lee, 29, ranked in the top 10 in all events. He finished fifth in the 5,000 meters, fourth in the 10,000 meters, second in team pursuit, before winning the mass start on Sunday to become the event's inaugural champion.
Lee not only showed he has developed strength as an athlete, but has also built strong character.
The three-time Olympian has competed in the 10,000 meters, the longest individual speed skating event, in every Winter Games at which he has competed.
His decision was in contrast to other South Korean skaters, who were concerned about fatigue and the negative impact it could have on their performances in other events.
Lee said his ongoing challenge for the 10,000 meters was to make sure South Korea had a competitor in the event.
"I knew no South Korean skaters who would take part in the 10,000 meters and I didn't want to see that," he said.
Lee also showed leadership in the team pursuit, encouraging two teenage compatriots -- Kim Min-seok and Chung Jae-won -- to join him and then skating in the front for more than half the race to capture silver.
Skating at the front for a threesome requires extra strength and endurance.
After becoming inaugural champion of the mass start, he humbly attributed his victory to Chung -- who raced as the pacesetter and finished eighth -- as well thanking volunteers, sponsors and his countrymen.
"I give my special thanks to Chung. I waited before picking up speed at the end of the race, which I'm good at, and it was all possible because of him," Lee said. "I'm sure he will grow into a better skater than I am."
Lee got married last year but delayed his honeymoon because of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
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