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Joo Jaehee (KOR) celebrates with the national flag of the Republic of Korea. @OIS/Joe Toth

Golden start for hosts Republic of Korea: Short Track passion shines through on first day of action at Gangwon 2024

One thing is for sure in Short Track Speed Skating at Gangwon 2024. The Korean skaters will not be making any silent passes. Literally each acceleration from the middle of the pack or manoeuvre at the front is met by a roar of anticipation from the home crowd.

So when Joo Jaehee (KOR) charged forward with one lap to go on his way to a gold medal in the Men’s 1500m final on Saturday, the audience at the packed Gangneung Ice Arena erupted in celebration.

This is what happens when you perform in the hotbed of Short Track. And already during the first day of action, we all got a taste of what to expect in the coming days.  

"I can't begin to put my emotions into words right now. I don't know what to say. The crowd was amazing and really pushed me forward,” Joo said after the final.  

Joo made an incredible pass on Yang in the entry of the corner to take the lead and win gold after a lot of jostling for position. Yang had to settle for silver, with Kim Yousung (KOR) taking bronze. 

Yang pulls off a coup

The hosts proved themselves yet again as a Short Track powerhouse. Yet in a sport that often features dramatic and unpredictable finishes, the Republic of Korea were never going to get it all their way.

In the Women’s 1500m, Yang Jingru (CHN) pulled off a coup. Early in the race she made a break to lap the field, often a self-destructive move, but the group did not react quickly enough and she made it round, meaning that simply staying in the pack would guarantee gold.

Yang led a 1-2 finish for China, with compatriot Li Jinzi (CHN) claiming silver. Inoue Nonomi (JPN) rounded out the podium with bronze.

“It was the first time I’d ever tried that,” she said. “But it was my strategy, and nobody knew what to do. I think it confused people, it worked.”

Gold medalist Yang Jingru (CHN) and silver medallist Li Jinzi (CHN) celebrate with the national flag of China. @OIS/Joe Toth

Four gold medals 

The pressure to perform at this level is immense already. I even felt it, watching each race unfold just a couple of metres away from me. The boisterous home crowd adds even more spice to an already-heated affair - much like the fiery broth that is being splashed onto the ramen noodles on offer from this tiny tent just outside the arena.

But Joo embraces the pressure, he says when asked about what it is like to compete on home ice.  

“It is only a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete at the Youth Olympic Games, so it is very meaningful to compete here. And now is the perfect timing as I am in good form.”

 

“It was unfortunate that the women skaters couldn’t achieve good results, but we are all talented skaters. Therefore, it motivated me to take on more responsibility and strive even harder to win gold.”

His ambition for the next races?

“My goal is to win four gold medals.”

Racing at the Gangneung Ice Arena continues tomorrow (Sunday) with the Men’s and Women’s 1000m. Full schedule.

You can watch the live stream of the competitions here.