Jayce
Kim Won-ho’s family will be adding another medal to their illustrious collection.
28 years after Gil Young-ah completed her set of Olympic medals, her son Kim Won-ho is set to ensure that the family collection grows. The only question is: what color will the medal be?
Gil Young-ah is one of only three badminton players to have won a complete set of medals. She earned a bronze in women’s doubles at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, a gold in mixed doubles, and a silver in women’s doubles at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Her son Kim Won-ho, partnered with Jeong Na-eun in mixed doubles, is making his Olympic debut. He chose the perfect occasion to reach the most important final of his career. In the semifinals, the unseeded pair faced their compatriots and world champions Seo Seung-jae and Chae Yu-jung, winning a thrilling match 21-16, 20-22, 23-21.
Kim Won-ho has been aware of his mother’s heroic performances on the court since he was a child, and he knows how significant his achievement is:
“Ever since I saw her win the gold medal as a child, I’ve dreamed of the Olympics, always imagining what it would feel like if it actually happened. But I never thought it would really come true. Now that it has happened, I will accept it wholeheartedly and face my final challenge without any regrets.”
Did he seek any advice from her during the Olympics?
“First, she told me that the Olympics are a gift from heaven. She said, ‘You have done your best, so you just need to accept that fact.’
“When I call her, I tell her, ‘From now on, I am no longer Gil Young-ah’s son; instead, you will be known as Kim Won-ho’s mother.'”
Standing on the other side of the net in the final is another pair aiming to extend their own legendary status—Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong, three-time world champions and Olympic silver medalists, now just one match away from the only major title that has eluded them.
They issued an ominous warning to their final opponents.
“We have a strong will and have prepared thoroughly,” said Zheng after the Chinese pair defeated Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino 21-14, 21-15. “We are very satisfied with our performance today. From start to finish, we never lost focus.”
“This final is just the beginning for us. Our goal is the gold medal. We failed last time, so we are well-prepared this time. Tomorrow is the real start for us.”
