Receiving a standing ovation after a clean performance is a scene that any figure skater dreams of. There is an athlete who actually felt the thrill that he will never forget for the rest of his life at the International Skating Union (ISU) Four Continents Championships, a major figure skating event. Lee Hae-in (18) won the gold medal by performing perfectly without a single mistake in free skating.
In an interview with the Maeil Economic Daily, Lee Hae-in said, “I’m glad it wasn’t a dream. I didn’t expect to win, but I’m really happy with the gold medal around my neck.” It’s an honor to become a Korean player who won,” he said with a smile.
Lee Hae-in, who was considered a top-class prospect to succeed Kim Yu-na, had to watch the Olympic Games, which is considered the best stage for figure skaters, on TV in February of last year, a year ago from now. He could be consumed by the frustration of not qualifying for the Beijing Winter Olympics, but Lee Hae-in gritted his teeth. Lee Hae-in, who increased the intensity of his training and was armed mentally, let go of his sorrow by reaching the top of the Four Continents Championships, which ended on the 11th.
Lee Hae-in said, “It would be a lie if I said it wasn’t difficult. However, I persevered with the thought that every athlete would have a hard time at least once.” Emphasized.
Lee Hae-in cited a change in mindset as the driving force behind winning the gold medal. He said, “Not long ago, I was afraid of making mistakes before acting. I think I was obsessed with doing well.” he explained.
The order shouted before the performance was also different in this competition. Lee Hae-in said, “The words I shout before entering the competition are different every time, but this time it was ‘Let’s have fun, I can do it’. I plan to shout out my words and enter the ice rink.”
Lee Hae-in, who reached the top of the Four Continents Championships, is looking at a higher place. The stages he is aiming for are the Olympics and World Championships. Lee Hae-in said, “There is nothing more satisfying than being on the podium. I wish I could win medals at the Olympics and World Championships,” adding, “I think it would be perfect if I followed Yuna Kim’s path. Make up for what I lack and achieve my desired goal.” I want to achieve it step by step,” he said. 메이저사이트
To increase competitiveness, Lee Hae-in plans to place the ‘Triple Axel’ in the program starting next season. The triple axel jump, which makes three and a half turns in the air, is a highly advanced technique. Nevertheless, there is a clear reason why Lee Hae-in wants to add a triple axel. This is because the basic score is higher than the skills used now, so the probability of reaching the podium increases. Lee Hae-in said, “I tried to do the triple axel jump from this season, but I didn’t put it in the program because the level of perfection was not yet up to a satisfactory level.” We will do everything in our power to play at a higher level.”
Lee Hae-in, who revealed that she likes ‘Ppyongari’ the most among the nicknames given to herself, smiled, saying that whenever she sees the decorations filled with gifts and medals received from fans, she feels better. Lee Hae-in said, “When I receive support from the fans, I gain strength that I didn’t have before. I am a special person.” I want you to come,” he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to KB Financial Group, which has been sponsored since 2020. Lee Hae-in emphasized, “I am grateful to Chairman Yoon Jong-gyu and all the officials of KB Financial Group for trusting and supporting me regardless of grades.”