 Winter Olympics champions laugh with President Lee Myung-bak as he assumes a skating stance while trying on a pair of goggles ― a gift from gold medalist Mo Tae-bum ― at Cheong Wa Dae, Wednesday. From left, Mo, Lee Kyu-hyuk, President Lee, first lady Kim Yoon-ok, Lee Sang-hwa and Kim Yu-na. / Korea Times Photo by Sohn Yong-seok |
By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
President Lee Myung-bak said Wednesday Korea's remarkable achievements at the Vancouver Winter Olympics will provide PyeongChang with a boost of morale in its bid to host the 2018 Olympics.
Lee invited the Korean team, who arrived home to a hero's welcome Tuesday, and key members of the bidding committee for the 2018 Winter Olympics to a luncheon at Cheong Wa Dae.
"You gave the Korean people a lot of hope and showed the future of Korean sports at a time when the country is suffering from economic difficulties," Lee said in a congratulatory speech. "Somebody said you made a miracle, but I don't agree. I believe it was the result of your blood, sweat and tears. You deserve our respect."
Kim Yu-na, who grabbed the figure skating gold with a world record, was among some 70 athletes who attended the reception.
"Watching Kim's performance on TV was really nail-biting. I closed my eyes whenever Kim jumped," Lee said. "The Olympics might have been disappointing for some athletes, but it doesn't matter if you won a medal or not. As representatives of Korea, you all did a great job."
He also expressed confidence in former Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee, one of the two Korean members of the International Olympic Committee, and Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Yang-ho, the co-chairman of the bidding committee.
In the overall medal standings, Korea ranked fifth with six gold, six silver and two bronze medals, the best result ever in its history at the Winter Olympics.
Lee said Korea's strong performance will help strengthen the country's global reputation as an Asian sports powerhouse, as well as raise international support for the country's Olympics bid.
PyeongChang is currently competing with Germany's Munich and France's Annecy to host the 2018 event. It is PyeongChang's third bid after losing to Vancouver and then Sochi of Russia.
The IOC will hold a vote to choose the host city at its general assembly slated for July 2011 in Durban, South Africa.
jj@koreatimes.co.kr
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