Kim Won Ho Secures Olympic Badminton Medal, Following in Mother's Footsteps
Trang Napie
Sun Aug 04 2024
Kim Won Ho has added an Olympic badminton medal to the family collection, continuing the legacy of his mother, Gil Young-ah, one of only three badminton athletes to complete the full set of Olympic medals. As he entered the finals at his Olympic debut, Kim faced a challenging matchup against reigning world champions Seo Seung Jae and Chae Yu Jung, defying the odds to clinch victory in a thrilling three-set match.
Growing up surrounded by his mother's on-court triumphs, Kim Won Ho realized the significance of his achievement, reflecting, "Since I was young, I dreamed of the Olympic Games after seeing my mother's gold medal, imagining what it would be like if it happened, but I truly didn't expect the dream to become reality. Nevertheless, now that it has happened, I truly need to accept it and face my final challenge without regrets."
Did he seek any advice from his mother during the Olympics? "First, my mother told me that the Olympics would be a gift from heaven. She said, 'You've given your best, so all you need to do is accept that.' When I call my mother, I will tell her, 'From now on, I will no longer be known as Gil Young-ah's son; instead, you will be known as Kim Won Ho's mother.'"
On the opposite side of the net in the final, another pair is aiming to enhance their own legend – Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong, three-time world champions and Olympic silver medalists from China. The Chinese mixed doubles team is just one victory away from completing their coveted collection of major titles, sending a menacing warning to their opponents ahead of the final.
"We have strong motivation and thorough preparation," Zheng stated after dominating Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino with a 21-14, 21-15 scoreline. "We are very pleased with today's performance. From start to finish, we 'didn't lose focus.' This final is our starting point. We are aiming for gold. Because last time we failed, this time we are ready for it. Tomorrow is our beginning."
Kim Won Ho's journey to an Olympic badminton medal not only adds to his family's storied collection but also underscores the dedication and legacy passed down through generations. As he forges his path in the badminton world, he carries on the proud tradition set by his mother, Gil Young-ah, showcasing the resilience and determination necessary to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.