After making history at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, South Korean shooting champion Jin Jong-oh has returned to his homeland Wednesday with a warm reception from his family and fans.
Jin won the 50m pistol gold medal at the Rio Games and became the first shooter, man or woman, to win a single event at three Olympics in a row. The 36-year-old also became the first South Korean athlete to win a gold medal at three consecutive Olympics, winter or summer.
"I really wanted win the gold medal (at the Rio Games)," Jin told reporters at Incheon International Airport. "I put my utmost effort to win this medal."
Jin now has four gold and two silver medals, which tie him with former archer Kim Soo-nyung for most Olympic medals by a South Korean. Jin and Kim are also tied for the lead with four gold medals.
In Rio, Jin finished his first event -- the 10m air pistol -- in fifth place and failed to defend his title.
"I practiced hard and prepared hard to win that event (10m air pistol), but I think those thoughts backfired and put pressure on me," he said.
After winning the gold medal, Jin said the Rio Games will not be his last Olympics. The shooter said he will make South Koreans watch his game more comfortably next time. During the 50m pistol final, Jin's ninth shot hit 6.6 points and surprised fans.
"For each shot, you can't get rid of tension and that's the beauty of shooting," Jin said. "But next time, I will perform better so that people can watch my game more comfortably."
Jin was one of 17 South Korean shooters who returned home from the Rio Games on Wednesday.
Kim Jong-hyun, who won the silver medal in the men's 50m rifle prone shooting, said he will make fans happier at the next major event.
"This is not going to be a one time medal moment for me," he said. "Before thinking about the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, I will first try my best to perform well at the Asian Games (in 2018)." (Yonhap)
