By Kang Shin-who
Staff Reporter
It could take about six months for injured silver medallist Wang Ki-chun, 20, to return to the Judo mat. In an interview with a local radio channel, Wednesday, Wang said his rib got broken during the quarterfinals.
``I thought it was just cramp when my opponent hit my rib with his elbow. My doctor said so and I didn’t care much about it,'' he said. ``I found out that my rib was broken only after the final game.’’
He might have felt more pain from his defeat in the final than from the injury. ``I am so sorry I had to kneel down even before showing my skill. My four-year efforts ended in vain and I feel very sorry for my family,'' Wang said.
The judoka lost the final game to Azerbaijan’s Enur Mammadi just 13 seconds after the whistle.
Earlier on Tuesday, Wang had a tearful reunion with his father in Beijing. Buried in his father’s arms, he shed tears. The reunion was broadcast on TV and touched many viewers. His father consoled him, saying, ``I put a big burden on his shoulders and it’s my fault.''
Wang earned his ticket to Beijing after defeating Athens gold medallist Lee Won-hee in the Olympic trials. He said he felt sorry for Lee and at the same time vowed to win a gold in the next Summer Games.
Meanwhile, Wang has been drawing netizens' attention for expressing an interest in Yoo-bin, a member of the Korean pop group, ``Wonder Girls.’’ Before the Olympics, Wang said he wanted to marry the star singer should he win a gold.