Cyclist Shin Ji-eun Wins Bronze at Asian Games, Securing Team Korea's First Medal

South Korean national cycling team member Shin Ji-eun has captured Team Korea's first medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Shin crossed the finish line with a time of 36 minutes, 56.14 seconds in the women's individual time trial held at the Shinshiro Circuit course in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, today (the 20th), claiming the bronze medal.

This is the very first medal for the entire South Korean delegation at this tournament.

She finished third behind gold medalist Rinata Sultanova of Kazakhstan (36:23.72) and silver medalist Zhang Hao of China (36:28.40). The time gap between Sultanova and Shin was 32.42 seconds.

Shin started in fourth place after passing the first split in 12 minutes, 58.31 seconds, but climbed to third by completing the second split in 24 minutes, 49.70 seconds. She maintained her pace all the way to the finish line, securing her place in third overall.

Unlike standard road races where all competitors start simultaneously and battle for position, the individual time trial has athletes start one by one at set intervals, with rankings determined by their completion time over a designated course.

An athlete's individual pace control and solo riding ability entirely determine the color of the medal.

Shin, who has showcased her skills by competing in both road and track events, warmed up for the Games earlier this year by placing third in the women's road race and fourth in the time trial at the 2026 Asian Road Cycling Championships, as well as finishing third in the omnium and second in the team pursuit at the Asian Track Cycling Championships.

By making her mark as Team Korea's first medalist and getting the campaign off to a bright start, Shin will now eye additional medals in track events including the team pursuit, madison, and omnium.

(Photo courtesy of Korea Cycling Federation, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.