Diver Kim Yeong-nam Wins Silver, Blocking a Clean Sweep by China

[Anchor]

Thirty-year-old veteran diver Kim Yeong-nam has claimed a precious silver medal in the men's 1-meter springboard event. He prevented Chinese athletes from sweeping the medals, wrapping his neck with the 6th Asian Games medal of his career.

Reporter Kim Hyeong-yeol has the story.

[Reporter]

Kim Yeong-nam, who has competed in four consecutive editions starting from the 2014 Incheon Asian Games and earned five medals exclusively in synchronized events alongside a partner, soared powerfully toward his first individual medal.

He started in 4th place in the 1st round, but moved up a notch in the 2nd round with a high-difficulty routine involving three and a half rotations. In the 3rd round, he showcased a brilliant aerial maneuver executing two and a half rotations with a twist, overtaking China's Liu Chengcan to climb to 2nd place.

He drove the nail in the coffin during the 5th round.

Taking off facing forward, he completed two and a half backward rotations before cleanly slipping into the water, earning a high score of 68.80 points to widen the gap with Liu Chengcan to more than 14 points.

After finishing the final 6th round cleanly, Kim Yeong-nam won the silver medal behind China's Paris Olympic champion Wang Zongyuan.

Preventing Chinese athletes from sweeping the gold and silver medals, he stepped onto the podium in an individual event for the first time and briefly reddened with tears after wearing his precious medal.

Waving to cheering fans led to a brief misunderstanding,

[Wang Zongyuan : Is that your kid?]

[Kim Yeong-nam / National Diving Team : My child? No, no, no. I am single.]

With a bright smile, he enjoyed the joy of his 6th career medal.

[Kim Yeong-nam / National Diving Team : I am so happy because it feels like I am finally being rewarded for all my hard work. I would greatly appreciate it if you could continue to cheer heavily for Korean diving.]

Kim Su-ji also secured a come-from-behind bronze medal in the women's 1-meter springboard.

Starting in 7th place in the 1st round, she continuously raised her ranking to finish 3rd behind the Chinese competitors.

Following her silver medal in the 3-m synchronized diving the previous day, Kim Su-ji grabbed a medal for the second consecutive day and will challenge for her 3rd medal of this tournament in the 3-m springboard the day after tomorrow (September 30).

(Video Editing: Hwang Ji-young, Design: Seo Seung-hyun)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.