Choi Eun-kyung Wins Three Short Track Races

Choi Eun-kyung, 19 years old and from Korea National University of Physical Education, won the women’s 1000-meter race and 3000-meter relay in addition to her 1500-meter victory in Jeonju Short Track Speed Skating World Cup to conclude the event with three victories. Also, Byun Chun-sa (16, Shinmok high school) and Song suk-woo (20, Dankook University) won in the men and women’s 3000-meter Super Final, respectively.

The women’s 1000-meter deciding race was held in Hwasan Ice Rink, Jeonju on November 30, the final day of the World Cup. Choi Eun-Kyung, who had advanced to the final with Byun Chun-sa and Cho Hae-ri (17, Sehwa women’s high school), stormed out to the lead on the fifth lap to take the lead which she would not relinquish with a final time of 1:33.568.

At the men and women’s Super Final, in which only the top eight skaters can participate based on results of the 500 meter, 1000 meter and 1500 meter races, South Korea’s team play was outstanding.

Byun Chun-sa finished in first with 5:36.888 after battling Choi Eun-kyung for the lead in the final seven laps at the 3000-meter Super Final for women. Choi Eun-kyung and Cho Hae-ri followed Byun with times of 5:36.953 and 5:36.970 respectively.

Song Suk-woo and Ahn Hyun-soo shook off the intensive check from three Canadian skaters to take the first and second respectively at the 3000-meter men’s Super Final. Song Suk-woo took the lead after the 23rd lap to win the goal medal with a time of 4:53.144.

The women’s team, composed of Choi Eun-Kyng, Kim Min-ji (17, Jinmyung women’s high school), Ko Ki-hyun (17, Sehwa women’s high school) and Cho Hea-ri, won the 3000-meter relay after enduring a fierce seesaw race with China with a time of 4:19.865.

jaeyuna@donga.com