Published : Sept. 18, 2017 - 16:00
Days from his senior international debut, South Korean short track speed skater Lim Hyo-jun said Monday he's got butterflies in his stomach.
In April, the 21-year-old stunned former Olympic gold medalists and world champions to earn a spot on the national team for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. In tune-ups for the Olympics on home ice, Lim will compete in the International Skating Union World Cup Short Track Speed Skating season.
The first leg will open in Budapest, Hungary, on Sept. 28.
South Korean short track speed skater Lim Hyo-jun speaks to reporters during a press conference at the National Training Center in Seoul on Sept. 18, 2017. (Yonhap)
"Since that will be my first international event (at the senior level), I am excited but nervous at the same time," Lim told reporters at the National Training Center in Seoul. "But I think I should just go out there and embrace the challenge. I'll try to learn from that experience and figure out how to manage my races."
Lim was among the virtual unknowns who made the men's national team at the Olympic trials five months ago. Lim won the men's 1,000-meter title at the 2012 Winter Youth Olympics, but then his burgeoning career was slowed by three right ankle fractures.
Lim took his first crack at the national team last year and made the squad this year.
"I really wanted to compete at the Olympics," Lim said. "And since it is taking place at home, I was that much more desperate to make the team."
In this file photo taken April 9, 2017, South Korean short track speed skater Lim Hyo-jun races in the men's 1,000m semifinals at the Olympic team trials at Mokdong Ice Rink in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Lim said multiple injuries and subsequent rehabs were never easy but added, "I think I am where I am today because I've endured such adversity."
He said he is confident in his burst of speed and agility, but said he has more weaknesses than strengths as a skater.
"As long as I keep working hard and trying to improve myself, I should be fine," he said. "I am grateful just for the chance to skate at the Olympics. I hope I can build upon my World Cup experience and throw myself into the Olympics." (Yonhap)