“It was a really fun high jump, I’m so happy.”
Woo Sang-hyuk (27, Yongin City Hall) beamed after clearing 2.33 meters to finish second in the men’s high jump final at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games at the China Olympic Sports Center Stadium on Thursday.
It wasn’t a forced smile to hide his disappointment, but a smile of genuine happiness.
“It’s very interesting because I think I’m improving while competing in good faith with him,” said Woo, who won his second consecutive silver medal in the event behind Mutaz Essa Barshim (Qatar), who clocked 2m35. “I’ll do my best to prepare for the Paris Olympics next year,” he said.
“I’m sure Barshim was very conscious of me,” Woo said, “and we were able to jump (the bar) because of the synergy between us.”
“We compete with each other and draw motivation from each other, so I think we were both able to jump (2.33m) on the first attempt,” he said.
“I should have focused and jumped 2.35m, but unfortunately I didn’t, but I will definitely surpass that mark by the Paris Olympics.” 먹튀검증
Five years ago in Jakarta-Palembang, Woo also won silver (2m28). However, Barsim was unable to compete due to injury.
“When I look at the video, I wonder how he could run like that. I think he was forced to run,” Woo said. “
Now he runs so leisurely. Back then, I couldn’t enjoy my favorite sport under pressure. I’m so happy that I can enjoy it now.”
The high jump requires strict weight management for competitions.
The interviewer also asked Woo about his ‘meal plan’ for the future.
“I’m really hungry, but I can’t eat because I still have the national championships to go, so I’ll eat after I finish,” Woo said, adding, “I think I did better (this year) than last year in the major competitions.
Next year, I’ll prepare well, like climbing stairs, and try to do it until the Paris Olympics.”