Yoon Ji-hwan (Gangwon State Office), who secured a valuable bronze medal in his very first Asian Games appearance, could not hide his lingering disappointment over his record and ranking despite his joy.

Yoon touched the pad in 24.54 seconds in the men's 50m backstroke final at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre in Japan today (the 21st) at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, finishing third behind China's Xu Jiayu (24.04 seconds) and Wang Zicheng (24.49 seconds).

Meeting reporters after the race, Yoon touched the bronze medal around his neck and began by saying, "My times started improving from the trials last year so I prepared hard for this competition, but it seems I was still underprepared."

He did not hide his disappointment, stating, "Overall it wasn't bad, but I wasn't fully able to swim the way I used to. It was a race that leaves a lot of regrets, both in terms of my record and the color of the medal."

However, it was clear that this was a precious achievement harvested from his maiden Asian Games.

"It is a relief and certainly a valuable result to finish the competition by winning a medal at my first Asian Games," Yoon said firmly. "If I use this competition as a stepping stone and train harder, I will surely stand on the highest step of the podium one day."

Wrapping up his events at this competition following yesterday's 100m backstroke and today's race, he did not forget to send warm congratulations and support to his national team teammates.

Regarding Kim Young-beom winning the gold medal and Ji Yu-chan claiming the bronze side-by-side in the men's 50m freestyle held right after his own race, he smiled brightly and said, "Young-beom and older brother Yu-chan competed right after me and won medals, so I want to congratulate them loudly."

He added, "I will enthusiastically cheer and pray so that the remaining national team members can all win medals as well."

He calmly reflected on the hardships he faced while preparing for the competition.

Showing a mature attitude, Yoon said, "It was physically and mentally very difficult while preparing, but that's a process every athlete goes through so it cannot be an excuse. Athletes who prepared harder than me achieved good results, so I will humbly accept today's outcome and work harder."

He also did not forget to express gratitude to his parents who sent silent support from South Korea.

Sharing a bold determination, Yoon said, "Thank you so much for believing in me and supporting me until the end. Next time, I will definitely show my parents what it's like to take first place."
 

(Photo: Yonhap News)