S. Korea-born coach for Mexican archers elated with two medals

LONDON -- It was South Korean Ki Bo-bae who took the gold in the women's individual archery event Thursday, but perhaps the happiest person at Lord's Cricket Ground wasn't part of the South Korean team.

Mexico's Aida Roman won silver and Mariana Avitia claimed bronze for their country's first Olympic archery medals. And behind their surprising runs was a South Korean-born head coach, Lee Woong.

"This is a great day," Lee rejoiced after the final. "South Korea took gold and Mexico won silver and bronze. That's the best combination for me."

Lee said he wasn't bothered by the fact that Roman came within inches of upsetting Ki for the gold in the shoot-off. In the one-arrow showdown, Ki shot an 8 first but Roman also shot an 8, farther from the bull's-eye than Ki's.

"I was surprised with Ki's 8 in the shoot-off, and I knew Roman was good enough to find a 9," Lee said. "But I think Roman was pressing too hard. I really didn't have much to say to her afterward."

Lee said he gave a pep talk before the final.

"I told her to relax and enjoy," he said. "I said it didn't matter whether she finished first or second. But Roman couldn't quite relax."

Lee said the Mexicans' performance Thursday proved the technical difference between South Korea and the rest of the world in archery "is quite slim."

"Other countries should keep trying harder," the coach said.

"They should try developing new, advanced training methods, so that archers would be able to shoot under any circumstances."

(Yonhap News)