‘배드민턴 여왕’ 안세영(삼성생명)이 세계배드민턴연맹(BWF)의 2024년 결산 기사에서 최상단을 장식했다.
BWF는 지난달 31일 공식 홈페이지에 ‘2024년 리뷰: 올림픽 불꽃의 재점화'(2024 in Review: Rekindling the Olympic Flame)라는 제목의 기사를 실었다. 지난해를 결산하면서 8월 파리올림픽을 재조명했다.
안세영은 이 기사의 메인 사진으로 실렸다. 파리올림픽 여자 단식에서 금메달을 따낸 뒤 무릎을 꿇고 앉아 거의 뒤로 누울 듯이 허리를 꺾은 채 두 주먹을 불끈 쥐고 포효하는 모습이다.
BWF는 “파리올림픽에서는 대회 전 우승 후보들이 현 시대 최고의 선수로서 위상을 재확인했다”고 운을 뗐다. 이어 “안세영은 빅토르 악셀센(남자 단식), 천칭천-자이판(여자 복식), 정쓰웨이-황야충(혼합 복식) 등과 함께 우승이 예상됐다”면서 “이들은 우승을 차지했고, 놀랍지 않았다”고 전했다.
안세영은 올림픽 결승에서 허빙자오(중국)를 꺾고 금메달을 차지했다. 1996년 애틀랜타 대회 방수현 이후 28년 만의 단식 금메달을 한국 배드민턴에 안긴 순간이었다.
‘같은 장면, 다른 각도’ 안세영이 2024 파리올림픽 배드민턴 여자 단식에서 우승을 확정한 뒤 기뻐하는 모습. 2024.8.5 파리= 올림픽사진공동취재단/KO 황진환 기자배드민턴 여왕의 화려한 대관식이었다. 이미 안세영은 2023년 최고 권위의 전영 오픈과 세계선수권대회, 항저우아시안게임 등을 석권하며 세계 랭킹 1위에 등극했다. 여기에 가장 큰 대회인 올림픽까지 제패하며 화룡점정을 이뤘다.
안세영은 올림픽 결승 직후 대표팀 운영과 대한배드민턴협회 행정을 작심 비판한 발언을 하기도 했다. 이에 문화체육관광부는 협회를 조사해 개선안을 권고했고, 협회는 국가대표가 아닌 선수들도 국제 대회에 출전할 수 있게 길을 터주고, 개인 후원도 허용하기로 했다. 안세영은 본인의 요구처럼 개인 자격으로 국제 대회에 출전할 수 있게 됐다.
2024
A Stunning Upset and Olympic Glory: Kim Won-ho and Jeong Na-eun’s Silver Medal run
South Korea’s badminton duo, Kim Won-ho and Jeong Na-eun, etched their names in Olympic history with a remarkable silver medal performance in the mixed doubles at the 2024 Paris Games. Their journey was marked by a stunning upset victory in the semifinals,a feat that drew comparisons to another major upset in the women’s doubles competition.
In a nail-biting encounter, Kim Won-ho and Jeong Na-eun overcame the reigning world champions, seo Seung-jae and Chae Yoo-jung, in a match that left spectators breathless. The badminton World Federation (BWF) likened their triumph to the unexpected victory of Denmark’s Maiken Fruergaard and Sara Thygesen over the second-seeded Korean pair of Lee So-hee and Baek ha-na,highlighting the magnitude of the upset.
Kim Won-ho, pushing himself to the limit, battled through intense physical exertion, even experiencing nausea during the match. Their grit and determination ultimately secured them a place in the final.
Even though they ultimately fell to the formidable Chinese duo of Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong, who currently hold the world number one ranking, Kim Won-ho and jeong Na-eun’s silver medal win was a testament to their exceptional skill and unwavering spirit.
This achievement adds another chapter to the legacy of Kim Won-ho, son of gil Young-ah, the legendary badminton player who clinched the gold medal in the mixed doubles at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. With this silver medal, Kim won-ho joins his mother as a multi-Olympic medalist, securing both personal glory and valuable military service benefits.
The Shifting Landscape of Korean Sports: Controversy, Tragedy, and Triumph
The world of Korean sports is rarely dull, marked by recent events that highlight both its triumphs and its challenges. From legal battles to unexpected tragedies, the headlines paint a complex picture of the nation’s athletic scene.
One ongoing saga involves the Korean Badminton Association, currently embroiled in a dispute with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The association’s recent appeal against a ministry decision was rejected, sparking outrage and raising questions about the future of the sport.This incident underscores the delicate balance between athlete autonomy and governing body oversight, a theme that resonates across various sporting disciplines.
Simultaneously occurring,the Korean sports community is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating accident involving the KIA Tigers baseball team. The tragic loss of a young staff member has sent shockwaves through the association and the wider sporting community. KIA’s heartfelt condolences and pledge to support the bereaved family reflect the profound impact of this event.
In a stark contrast, the world of Korean tennis witnessed a surprising turn of events. A recent altercation involving national team athletes, initially perceived as a serious incident, has been downplayed as a mere “happening.” This incident highlights the complexities of investigating and adjudicating disputes within the high-pressure surroundings of professional sports.
Amidst these controversies and tragedies, there are also stories of resilience and achievement. Former national tennis player, jeon Ji-hee, recently announced her retirement after a remarkable 14-year career representing Korea. Her journey,which began with her naturalization as a Korean citizen,exemplifies the dedication and commitment required to succeed in international sports.
Adding to the excitement, the Hungkuk Life Insurance team secured their first-half championship title, breaking free from a three-year losing streak. This victory, achieved despite facing challenging circumstances, showcases the team’s unwavering determination and the unpredictable nature of competitive sports.
These recent events offer a glimpse into the multifaceted world of Korean sports, where triumphs and tragedies often intertwine. As the nation continues to make its mark on the global sporting stage,these stories serve as a reminder of the passion,dedication,and challenges that define this dynamic landscape.Please provide the HTML article content you would like me to rewrite. I need the text within the HTML tags to proceed.
