The Korea Herald

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Lee congratulates South Korean medal winners

By Korea Herald

Published : July 29, 2012 - 19:41

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South Korean President Lee Myung-bak sent a congratulatory message to South Korean medal winners Sunday at the ongoing London Summer Olympics, the presidential office said.

Pistol shooter Jin Jong-oh won South Korea's first gold medal Saturday at the men’s 10-meter air pistol event, while Park Tae-hwan took the silver in the 400-meter freestyle swimming hours after an earlier false start disqualification ruling was overturned.

South Korea's third medal came from the men’s archery team, which settled for bronze a day after setting a world record in the ranking round.

“I was overwhelmed by joy and deep emotion the moment (Jin) won the gold medal,” Lee was quoted as saying. “All the Korean people were greatly moved by (Jin's) outstanding technique and strong spirit to devote himself to each of the shots.”

Lee lauded Jin for winning medals at three consecutive Olympic events in 2004, 2008 and this year.

The president asked Park to “do your best in the remaining events,” saying Park “greatly moved our fellow countrymen by focusing on the event and doing his utmost despite a unfortunate incident having taken place.”

Park trailed his Chinese rival Sun Yang to take silver after a wrongful start disqualification in the preliminary heat, which was later overruled.

Lee also sent “warm applause” to the South Korean men’s archery team, saying they won the “battle against themselves with relentless passion and challenges.” (Yonhap News)