In the men’s modern pentathlon at the Paris Olympics, Jeon Woong-tae and Seo Chang-wan both advanced to the finals.
After securing his first medal in the modern pentathlon three years ago, Jeon Woong-tae will strive for a consecutive medal tomorrow morning.
This is reporter Lee Myeong-no.
◀ Report ▶
The semi-finals began with the most unpredictable event, horse riding, in front of the Palace of Versailles.
Seo Chang-wan scored 300 points with perfect teamwork on a horse he had never seen before, while Jeon Woong-tae fell at two obstacles and lost 14 points.
During the fencing bonus round, Jeon Woong-tae earned two additional points, while both swimmers went head-to-head in their event, starting in adjacent lanes.
Jeon Woong-tae and Seo Chang-wan, who finished swimming in second and fifth places respectively, topped the leaderboard with 834 points and were the first to start the final laser run.
The last match unfolded without a moment to catch one’s breath, with a brief pause during the second shot…
Jeon Woong-tae turned the tables with remarkable speed during the fourth shot.
Jeon Woong-tae and Seo Chang-wan, who advanced to the finals in ninth place without much trouble, finished the race in second and fifth places.
Our athletes are aiming to win medals for the second consecutive competition in the finals tomorrow morning.
[Jeon Woong-tae/Modern Pentathlon Team]
“Both of us can reach the podium. If we perform well now… Tomorrow, we’ll truly show our best and give it our all.”
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Seo Geon-woo, who was striving for his third medal in Taekwondo, fell just short.
In the semifinals, they engaged in a fierce pursuit at the end, but could not turn the game around and lost in a comeback. In the bronze medal match, they were unable to overpower their opponent, who was significantly higher in the world rankings, losing 2-0 and missing out on the podium.
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The final third period was impressive.
Yoo Dong-ju, making his third Olympic appearance, roared with power while lifting a personal best of 168 kg.
He finished the competition in sixth place, performing better than in his previous two competitions, after failing to lift the 217 kg necessary for a medal.
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In the third round of women’s golf, Hee-Young Yang decreased her score by two strokes to tie for 11th place, six strokes behind the leader, with a total score of three under par.
Yang Hee-young, who finished fourth at the 2016 Rio Games, will be aiming for her first-ever medal on the final day.
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Lee Ri-young and Heo Yun-seo, competing in the artistic swimming duet, finished 12th in the regulation performance after delivering a beautiful routine.
The duo will compete in the freestyle event tomorrow morning, hoping to make the top 10 for the first time ever.
This is Lee Myeong-no of MBC News.
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The Road to Glory: Men’s Modern Pentathlon at the Paris Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympics has brought excitement and anticipation, especially in the men’s modern pentathlon, where South Korean athletes Jeon Woong-tae and Seo Chang-wan have both made headlines by advancing to the finals. Following his groundbreaking achievement three years ago, Jeon Woong-tae aims for consecutive medals in this year’s competition.
Understanding the Modern Pentathlon
The modern pentathlon consists of five diverse events: fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, and a final combined event of pistol shooting and cross-country running. This eclectic sport tests an athlete’s versatility and adaptability across various disciplines, making it a true showcase of skill and endurance.
During the semi-finals, which unfolded at the stunning backdrop of the Palace of Versailles, each athlete faced the challenges of these disciplines head-on. This article explores their journey through this thrilling event and the feats they achieved along the way.
Highlights from the Semi-finals
Equestrian Show Jumping
- Seo Chang-wan: Demonstrated excellent synergy and teamwork with an unfamiliar horse, ultimately scoring a perfect 300 points.
- Jeon Woong-tae: Encountered difficulties, falling off two obstacles and losing 14 points, but showcased resilience and determination.
Fencing
In the fencing bonus round, Jeon added critical points, reinforcing his position in the competition. This event is key as it requires quick reflexes and tactical creativity.
Swimming Event
The swimming segment saw intense competition as both athletes took to the water in adjacent lanes. Jeon and Seo finished strong, securing second and fifth places respectively. Their performances amassed a combined score of 834 points, positioning them at the top of the leaderboard ahead of the final laser run.
The Laser Run: A Thrilling Conclusion
The final laser run was a spectacle of athletic prowess as Jeon Woong-tae and Seo Chang-wan raced towards the finish line. The tension was palpable, and the competitors displayed extraordinary stamina and focus. Jeon managed to turn the tables during the fourth shot, showcasing his quick reflexes under pressure.
Ultimately, both athletes crossed the finish line successfully, finishing in second and fifth places, respectively. Their performances have not only propelled them into the finals but have also set high expectations for tomorrow’s medal contention.
Jeon Woong-tae expressed confidence, stating, “Both of us can get on the podium. If we do well now… Tomorrow, we’ll really show it, and we’ll really give it our all.”
Other South Korean Athletes in the Spotlight
Seo Geon-woo in Taekwondo
In the Taekwondo arena, Seo Geon-woo was vying for his third medal but faced immense challenges. Despite a valiant effort and a fierce pursuit in the semifinals, he could not turn the tide and lost in a comeback. In the bronze medal match, he succumbed to a highly ranked opponent, ending his journey without a medal.
Yoo Dong-ju’s Weightlifting Show
Yoo Dong-ju showcased his strength in weightlifting, lifting a personal best of 168 kg in his third Olympic appearance. Although he finished in sixth place, this achievement marked an improvement over his previous performances, a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Women’s Golf: Yang Hee-young’s Challenge
In women’s golf, Yang Hee-young made significant strides, reducing her score by two strokes in the third round, finishing in a tie for 11th place, just six strokes behind the leader. Having come in fourth at the 2016 Rio Games, she is poised to battle for her first career medal on the final day of competition.
Artistic Swimming Duet Performance
The artistic swimming duet duo of Lee Ri-young and Heo Yun-seo impressed spectators with their regulation performance, placing 12th. As they prepare for the freestyle competition, they have their sights set on breaking into the top 10 for the first time in Olympic history.
Practical Tips for Athletes and Fans Alike
For Athletes
- **Mental Preparation:** Practice visualization techniques to enhance performance under pressure.
- **Physical Conditioning:** Tailor strength and agility workouts to focus on the specific demands of your event.
- **Team Communication:** Work harmoniously with coaches and teammates to develop strategies on the field.
For Fans
- **Engage with Coverage:** Follow live updates and analyses to stay connected with your favorite athletes.
- **Understand the Sport:** Read up on the rules and formats of modern pentathlon and other events to enhance viewing experiences.
- **Join the Community:** Participate in discussions on social media to share insights and support athletes, fostering a sense of community around the Olympic spirit.
What’s Next for Jeon Woong-tae and Seo Chang-wan?
As both Jeon and Seo prepare for the finals, the stakes have never been higher. Their shared journey not only symbolizes hard work and determination but also the pride of their nation as they aim to add to South Korea’s Olympic legacy in the modern pentathlon.
All eyes will be on them tomorrow morning as they take center stage in pursuit of Olympic glory. Let’s cheer on our athletes — they are just one event away from making history!
MBC News awaits your reports 24 hours a day.
▷ Phone 02-784-4000
▷ Email [email protected]
▷ KakaoTalk @mbctip