The Korea Herald

Lee says backing from China‘s president crucial for PyeongChang

Jul 19, 2011

Lee says backing from China‘s president crucial for PyeongChangPresident Lee Myung-bak said Tuesday that backing from China’s president was crucial in helping the South Korean alpine city of PyeongChang win the right to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.Lee made the remark during a lunch meeting with the heads of five major state branches, briefing them on the outcome of his trip to Africa that includ
Joy finally blossoms for Japanese

Jul 19, 2011

Thousands of fans turn out in Tokyo to greet WC championsTOKYO (AP) ― This Japanese flower bloomed just when the country needed it most.A nation reeling from months of tragedy united in joyous celebration Monday after its women’s soccer team ― nicknamed “Nadeshiko” for a pink mountain flower ― won the World Cup by beating the United States.Fans decked out in the team’s dark blue colors hugged and
Park set for worlds in Shanghai

Jul 18, 2011

The time has come. South Korean swimming star Park Tae-hwan arrived in Shanghai on Monday to compete in the 2011 World Swimming Championships. For Park, the biennial event, which is running until July 31, is an opportunity to erase the memory of his meltdown two years ago. At the previous championships in Rome, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist failed to make it into the finals in any race.Last month
Winning bid an emotional journey for Kim Jin-sun

Jul 17, 2011

For Kim Jin-sun, Pyeong-Chang’s recent victory over two European rivals to win the bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics was a poignant moment.Kim, 64, had been an executive director for Pyeong-Chang’s two earlier, failed Winter Games bids. A three-time governor of Gangwon Province, where PyeongChang is located, Kim is a principal figure that launched PyeongChang’s Winter Games project more than a deca
‘Speech came from heart’

Jul 17, 2011

Rah shares secrets of successful PyeongChang presentationTheresa Rah, the communication director of PyeongChang’s 2018 bid committee, is now probably the country’s best known speaker and presenter. Her impressive presentation on July 6 for PyeongChang’s 2018 Winter Olympics bid not only captured the attention of the IOC voters, but also thrilled millions of TV viewers across the country. Furthermo
Bobsleigh head sure of PyeongChang’s success

Jul 15, 2011

Last week in Durban, South Africa, a group of Korean delegates were leaping and hugging each other with joy when the International Olympic Committee finally declared PyeongChang as the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics.Ermanno Gardella was there too, joining the festive crowd and enjoying the success of PyeongChang’s bid. “I supported PyeongChang,” said the secretary general of the International Bo
NBA star Kobe Bryant holds basketball clinic

Jul 14, 2011

NBA star Kobe Bryant arrived in Seoul on Thursday as part of an Asian tour organized by his sponsor Nike to promote basketball here. The LA Lakers guard arrived in Gimpo Airport on his private jet around 11 a.m. Thursday. After a brief news conference, he went directly to Korea University in Seoul to host a mini clinic for local high school and university students. NBA basketball star Kobe Brya
Korea ends England hopes in field hockey

Jul 14, 2011

Korea’s Lee Seung-hoon (left) is challenged by England defenders. (AP-Yonhap News)LONDON (AFP) ― England’s chances of winning the London Cup ended with a 5-4 defeat by South Korea here on Wednesday.Both sides had to win after first round losses to stand a chance of making it through to the final and it was the visitors who enjoyed a narrow victory.England saw first-half goals from Jonty Clarke and
Choi: Asians ready to strike

Jul 14, 2011

SANDWICH, England (AFP) ― Choi Kyung-ju believes the demanding conditions at this week’s British Open can level the playing field to the benefit of the Asian contingent at Royal St. Georges.The veteran Korean star, riding high after his victory at the Players Championship in May, is preparing for a searching examination of his talents on the wind-swept 7,211-yard, par-70 layout.“The conditions her
Seoul rules out sharing Games with N.K.

Jul 14, 2011

Minister wants PyeongChang to be Olympics of economy, culture and environmentPyeongChang, the host city of the 2018 Winter Olympics, will not co-host the games with North Korea, but will be sure to set the best Olympic legacy here, a senior South Korean sports official said Thursday.At a news conference, Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choung Byoung-gug ruled out the possibility of co-hosting
Formula for Olympic success

Jul 13, 2011

PyeongChang bid chief credits teamwork, marketing strategiesThey say there’s no “I” in team. PyeongChang, a South Korean alpine town, overwhelmed two European rivals to win the bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics last week due to a team effort and effective delegation of responsibilities, said the chief of the bidding committee.“At the end of the day, it wasn’t just one person, but many individuals w
N. Korea wants to co-host Winter Games with S. Korea: official

Jul 13, 2011

North Korea would like to co-host the 2018 Winter Olympics to be held in South Korean alpine town of PyeongChang, a senior North Korean sports official said Wednesday.Jang Ung, a North Korean member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said it was "positive" for Asia to host only its third Winter Games. When asked about the possibility of sharing some events with PyeongChang, Jang replied
Yao retirement risks NBA profile

Jul 12, 2011

BEIJING (AP) ― Yao Ming’s expected retirement could diminish the NBA’s once-burgeoning popularity in China, with many fans saying they would no longer watch games.“What’s the point of watching NBA now?” asked an online user called Lubingxia on Sina Weibo, a Chinese Twitter-like site.An online poll on Weibo by Monday lunchtime showed that 57 percent of respondents would stop watching the NBA after
Beckenbauer fumes at European IOC members after Munich’s failure

Jul 12, 2011

German soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer vented over Munich’s failure to win the rights to host 2018 Winter Olympics, blaming it on European countries’ “selfishness.” Pyeongchang, an internationally unfamiliar town with population of a little higher than 40,000, won 63 votes from International Olympic Committee members at the election in Durban, South Africa, last week. Munich managed 25 votes while
Sanchez takes Tour’s 9th stage as Voeckler leads

Jul 11, 2011

SAINT-FLOUR, France (AP) ― Spain’s Luis Leon Sanchez won the ninth stage of the Tour de France on a wild day of crashes, while France’s Thomas Voeckler finished second to take the leader’s yellow jersey from Thor Hushovd.Among those caught in the mayhem was defending champion Alberto Contador, who overcame another crash, banging his troublesome right knee after an early spill.Sanchez moved into se