Koreans tell skater Viktor Ahn to go back to Russia
Viktor Ahn during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Yonhap
By Dong Sun-hwa
Korean-born Russian short-track speed skater Viktor Ahn has been branded an opportunist for returning to Korea.
Many Koreans do not approve of his move and have urged him to go back to Russia.
The skater, 33, whose Korean name is Ahn Hyun-soo, has reportedly come back to raise his daughter in Korea, according to Russia's Interfax News Wednesday.
Korean media outlet Sports Kyunghyang reported Thursday that Ahn made the decision for his wife, who is said to be homesick. Ahn tied the knot with Woo Na-ri in 2014 and has one daughter.
“He was the one who received preferential treatment ― Ahn was singled out as a member of the national team thanks to his 'faction,' not his skating ability,” one netizen wrote. “But he began playing the victim as his faction lost power and left for Russia.”
Another commented: “You are a Russian ― if you want to be an entertainer or teach sports, do what you want in Russia.”
Ahn was dubbed the “king” of short-track speed skating for winning a triple crown at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics. But he became a naturalized Russian in 2011 after injuring a knee and failing to make the national team.
The skater won the triple again at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics but could not compete at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics due to Russia's doping scandal.