What Korea Thinks about Sochi 2014
The expectations were high for Korea. The goal was simple: a top 10 finish was desired and expected by every Korean.
So when Korea finished the Olympic Games with a medal count of 3 Golds, 3 Silvers, and 2 Bronzes – a grand total of 8, giving Korea a 13th-place finish – many people wondered exactly what Koreans thought of the Games.
It was naturally assumed there would be a lot of down faces in Korea. Some even expected that most Koreans would be upset and bewildered about their less-than-expected finish.
In the Land of the Morning Calm, however, many people were proud of their athletes and their accomplishments. Eun-gwang, a resident of Gwangju, praised the athletes, saying, “What they did is a big accomplishment. Just getting there in the first place is something to be proud of.” He additionally mentioned, “The training is intense and requires a lot of self-discipline. There is no shame in that.”
He is exactly right. The training that most of these athletes endure is nothing short of extraordinary. Most athletes start at a young age and continue with their full-time, round-the-clock training right up to the day of competition. They diet. They train. They live and breathe their sports.
Kim Yuna, who has trained for most of her career at public ice rinks in which the poor ice and freezing temperatures can often lead to injuries, received a silver medal in Sochi. While most of the media has focused on the medal controversy, Yuna is happy that the Games were over and is looking forward to new challenges.
President Park Geun Hye also said she was pleased with all the athletes and is quoted as saying, “I am so proud of your indomitable spirit and courage. You showed us how precious and beautiful you are when doing your best and facing the challenges, despite the tough conditions.”
Even though in the eyes of some, Korea appears to have had a poor showing, everyone in Korea appreciates the athletes. Moreover, everyone in Korea is excited to host the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang. The event will be held in the Gangwon Provice, 110 miles east of Seoul. The event will be scheduled between 9-25 of February. There is massive construction activity in preparation for the Games. Korea is ready to be proud of their athletes all over again.