Son Yeon-jae becomes triple gold medalist
By Baek Byung-yeul, Nam Hyun-woo
Rhythmic gymnast Son Yeon-jae poses with her gold medals at the awards ceremony in Kwangju Women’s University Gymnasium, Monday. / Courtesy of GUOC
GWANGJU — Korea’s star rhythmic gymnast Son Yeon-jae clinched two gold medals and two silver in the women’s individual events at the Gwangju Universiade, Monday.
Mesmerizing thousands of spectators packing the Kwangju Women’s University Gymnasium, Son topped in the hoop and the ball events, and placed second in both clubs and ribbon.
With two gold, the 21-year-old gymnast, who had already secured Korea’s first gold in the sport after winning the individual all-around event, Sunday, became Korea’s fifth tripe gold medalist and one of three athletes who collected five medals at the Universiade.
“I am pleased that I made it to be a triple gold medalist at the Universiade,” Son told reporters after finishing her programs. “I think I can improve more as I am greatly satisfied with my performance except the mistake I had in the clubs.”
When asked about her future plans, she spoke of her ambitious aspiration for next year’s Summer Olympics.
“When I was with reporters at last year’s Asian Games, it was hard for me to picture the Olympics but now I can truly feel that they are coming,” she said. “Frankly, I feel more pressure than I did at the London Olympics as my goal in 2012 was only to perform at the Olympics. But now I want to win a medal. I will do my best to prepare for the Olympics in Rio.”
Son was off to a good start.
The 21-year-old started first in the hoop discipline and posted the highest score of 18.3 points, completing the most difficult routine among eight gymnasts. She was followed by Russia’s Maria Titova with 18 and Bulgaria’s Melitina Staniouta with 17.95.
Appearing in bright pink, Son appeared seventh in the ball event. Son again used Spanish musician Raphael’s “Somos” for background music and received the highest score of 18.25.
However, Son made a mistake in the clubs discipline. She dropped a club at the end of her program and tied with Staniouta on 17.8 points. Ganna Rizatdinova of Ukraine grabbed gold with 18.2 points. Son’s teammate Lee Da-ae performed second in the event, but failed to place in the top 3, receiving the lowest score of 16.6.
In the ribbon event, her ribbon got tangled up at the beginning of her routine and left her with 17.8, 0.1 point behind Staniouta. Rizatdinova grabbed bronze with 17.75 points.