"There is nothing joyful." The Korean double-crown winner's surprising remark, canoeist Cho Kwang-hee: "There are many sorrows in my heart" [Nagoya on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

"There is nothing joyful."

Cho Kwang-hee (33, Ulsan Metropolitan City Government), South Korea's national canoe team member, replied with a solemn expression. This was during a gold medalist press conference held at the Korea House in Nagoya, Japan, on the 26th. Cho Kwang-hee, competing alongside Kim Hyo-bin, won the gold medal in the men's kayak double (K2) 500m event the previous day. This marked South Korea's first double-crown victory for its delegation, following the gold medals in the men's kayak four (K4) 500m with Jang Sang-won and Choi Min-kyu. Yet when asked about his feelings at the press conference, he responded, "There is nothing joyful."

There was a reason. Cho Kwang-hee said deliberately, "There are many sorrows in my heart. Because of those things, I keep thinking about how we pushed through with sheer will and grit. My thoughts leaned more toward sorrow than joy." When asked specifically what made him feel sorrowful, he momentarily struggled to continue speaking.

Regaining his composure, Cho Kwang-hee said, "It was necessary for the K4 members to come together and synchronize our efforts. Whether it takes three years or five, maintaining good synchronization over a long period increases the chances of winning. In our case, there were many instances where we were called up as national team members and then not called again. I felt sad because I remembered that we had trained separately among ourselves."

Cho Kwang-hee said, "If we talk about facilities and such things, it seems like there will be no end to them. Rather than that, what we prioritize is our hope that when athletes express their opinions, those opinions are heard. It would be good if organizations like the Korea Canoe Federation listen to the athletes' views."

He added, "About one or two weeks before the competition, we gathered at the Seoul Misari Rowing Course for training. When training at the Andong Canoe Stadium in Gyeongbuk Province, athletes came from Hwacheon and Seoul, gathering together to train as a group. I would like to express my gratitude that Ergometer equipment was supported by Yoo Seung-min, President of the Korean Olympic Committee, during our stay at the athlete village."

Kim Hyo-bin, who attended the press conference alongside Cho Kwang-hee, also agreed, stating, "It is true that we trained under poor conditions with other athletes."

He added, "We had to request support from our affiliated teams, making it difficult to accept even when purchasing equipment. There are limits to what can be done. It would be great if there were more active support for equipment. If people consider canoeing seriously and respond well to athletes' inquiries, I believe canoeing could advance one step further than it is today."

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*This content was translated by AI.