What did Kim Seung-won say after winning bronze in the women’s 50m backstroke at the Asian Games?

Kim said she had worked hard for the Asian Games and was pleased to win her first medal. She added that she was happy to have the chance to show how hard she had trained and would prepare as best she could for her remaining races.

How did Kim Seung-won perform in the women’s 50m backstroke final in Tokyo?

She finished third in 27.72 seconds at Tokyo Aquatics Centre. Her reaction time was 0.56 second, tied for the second fastest in the final, and she was 0.19 second behind gold medalist Wan Letian of China.

What other races is Kim Seung-won scheduled to swim at the Asian Games?

She is set to compete in the 100m backstroke, the women’s 4x100m medley relay and the mixed 4x100m medley relay. The bronze in the 50m backstroke was her first medal in her first Asian Games event.

Asian Games Teen swimmer Kim Seung-won wins bronze in women's 50m backstroke

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Summary

Kim Seung-won won bronze in the women’s 50-meter backstroke at the Asian Games in Tokyo on Monday. The 16-year-old finished in 27.72 seconds at Tokyo Aquatics Centre for her first medal in her first Asian Games event. China’s Wan Letian took gold in 27.47 seconds, and Kim said she was pleased to win her first medal and still had more races left.

Key Facts

Kim Seung-won’s bronze was South Korea’s fifth swimming medal at this year’s Asian Games.
Her reaction time of 0.56 second tied for the second fastest in the 10-swimmer final.
She is scheduled to race in the 100m backstroke, the women’s 4x100m medley relay and the mixed 4x100m medley relay.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 21, 2026 8:14 pm KST

Kim Seung-won of South Korea celebrates after winning bronze in the women's 50-meter backstroke swimming event at the Asian Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre in Tokyo, Monday. Yonhap

TOKYO — Kim Seung-won grabbed the bronze medal in the women's 50-meter backstroke swimming at the Asian Games on Monday.

The 16-year-old clocked 27.72 seconds at Tokyo Aquatics Centre to win her first medal in her very first Asian Games event.

Wan Letian of China claimed the gold medal in 27.47 seconds, 0.19 second faster than fellow Chinese swimmer, Wang Xueer.

Kim's was South Korea's fifth swimming medal at this year's Asiad. She is also slated to compete in the 100m backstroke, women's 4x100m medley relay and mixed 4x100m medley relay.

Kim's reaction time of 0.56 second was tied for the second fastest in the 10-swimmer final and was 0.04 faster than Wang. But the Chinese ended up beating the South Korean for the silver, with Wan finishing ahead of both.

"I worked so hard for the Asian Games here, and I am so pleased to win my first medal," Kim said, smiling ear to ear. "I was just so happy to have an opportunity to show how hard I have trained for this international event. I have more races left, and I will prepare for them the best I can."

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