Snowboard FIS World Cup in PyeongChang

By Yoon Chul

Snowboarding has quickly established itself in Korea, gaining popularity with many, especially the younger generation. But snowboarding enthusiasts here rarely see world-class boarders in action.

On Wednesday, the Snowboard FIS World Cup was held at Yongpyong Resort in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province. The world’s top snowboarders including current world No. 1 Benjamin Karl of Austria competed in the parallel slalom (PSL) event.

To the delight of the fans, the competitors took the races seriously and seemed to enjoy the run.

A sporting spirit prevailed; the winners were congratulated by their peers with big smiles and warm handshakes.

Their sportsmanship also shone on the slope. When Kentaro Yoshioka of Japan collided with Meinhard Erlacher of Italy, their disappointment was evident. But it ended in smiles once the riders picked themselves up..

In front of hundreds of spectators Austria’s Karl won in the men’s PSL race with Marion Kreiner triumphant in the women’s event.