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In this EPA photo, Kim Min-sun of South Korea competes in the women's 500 meters at the International Skating Union World Speed Skating Single Distances Championships at the Calgary Olympic Oval in Calgary, Canada, on Feb. 16, 2024. (Yonhap) |
South Korean speed skater Kim Min-sun has captured her first career world championship medal with a silver in the women's 500 meters.
Kim finished second in the 500m at the International Skating Union (ISU) World Speed Skating Single Distances Championships in Calgary, Canada, on Friday (local time), with a time of 37.19 seconds.
Femke Kok of the Netherlands won the gold medal at 36.83 seconds. Kimi Goetz of the United States took bronze in 37.21 seconds.
In addition to reaching the world podium for the first time, Kim also became the first South Korean to win a world medal in the women's 500m since seven-time medalist Lee Sang-hwa in 2017. Kim had placed fourth at last year's world championships.
"I was disappointed with last year's world championships, and I really wanted to win a medal this year," Kim said. "I am getting closer and closer to the goals I've set."
Skating in the 11th pair out of 12 groups at the Calgary Olympic Oval, Kim covered the opening 100m in 10.40 seconds, the second-fastest among all skaters at the moment with one more pair left.
Kim remained on a strong pace. On the final corner, though, Kim lost her balance momentarily and ended up touching track with her left fingertips.
Kim pumped her fists after crossing the line in 37.19 seconds, but Kok, skating in the final pair, beat that time by 0.36 second for the gold.
"The race could have been a little better, but I am pleased with the silver," Kim said. "I think I rushed myself more than usual on the final corner, and ended up making a mistake that I normally don't make. Kok had such a great time and I just had to accept the results."
