'God of vault' ready for gold performance

By Baek Byung-yeul

INCHEON ― South Korean gymnast Yang Hak-seon, known as the “god of vault” here, met his North Korean rival Ri Se-gwang again, Thursday, one day before the Incheon Asian Games kicks off.

The two, expected to be part of one of the most heated rivalries at the Asiad, were aware of each other’s presence during their practice session at Namdong Gymnasium in Incheon, but pretended not to care. They simply focused on training, trying not to reveal any of their secrets.

The Korean team, consisting of Yang and his five colleagues, practiced for about an hour and half, 30 minutes shorter than what was allowed, for their final tune-up.

Yang seemed serene, joking to his teammates and encouraging them with applause, but the London Olympic vault champion tried not to work out too hard suggesting he is still wary of his recent right hamstring problem. He also refused to talk to media during the session.

His coach confidently said Yang will be able to live up to his nickname again at the Asiad.

“Today’s session was just for adjusting his physical condition. Yang said he still feels a slight discomfort, but there is nothing to worry about,” said an official from the Korea Gymnastics Association on a condition of anonymity.

Yang’s rival Ri was also busy practicing his routines for his return to a international stage.

With multiple gold medals in the 2006 Asian Games and 2008 Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships, Ri was regarded as a strong contender for gold at the 2010 Asian Games, but he had to break as his country’s gymnastics team was banned for two years due to age cheating.

The 29-year-old made a comeback in October, taking part in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, but failed to get past the preliminary round while Yang won a gold medal in the vault.

Korean men’s artistic gymnastics head coach Joo Young-sam said the team is trying not to focus too much attention on Ri.

“Yang doesn’t need to compare himself with other opponents. If he goes his own way, then satisfactory results will eventually turn out,” Joo said.

There are eight golds available for men’s artistic gymnastics and Yang will take part in the floor and ring events , in addition to his vault specialty.

Starting from Sept. 21, the artistic gymnastics will take place for five days at Namdong Gymnasium.