Mom-to-be takes gold for Korea

GUANGZHOU, China - Korea’s golden shooter Gim Yun-mi almost didn’t come to the Asian Games. But after winning two gold medals Sunday in her first Asiad appearance, Gim is sure glad she came - and she didn’t come alone.

Gim is seven months pregnant with her first child. After she found out she was going to be a mother, Gim didn’t set her sights on the Asian Games, but instead aimed for the London Olympics in 2012.

She entered the national team trials anyway and made the team. Gim still wasn’t sure if she should complete, but her husband implored her not to miss the opportunity.

And miss she didn’t.

Gim joined forces with Kim Byung-hee and Lee Ho-lim for the team gold in the 10-meter air pistol event before coming from behind to beat China’s Sun Qi in the individual final.

“I kept asking the baby to give me the strength,” Gim said after her win. “I am so happy we won the gold together.”

Gim decided to enter only the 10-meter competition - and not the 25-meter pistol - because the shorter distance event is quieter and training is less strenuous.

Gim said her challenges leading up to the event had mostly been psychological, not physical.

“I didn’t want to be a burden to my teammates or interfere with their training because of my pregnancy,” Gim said. “But they were all very understanding and generous. They’re the reason that I am here.”

Gim said she’s always thought of her baby “as a gift” and will present the newborn with the gold medals.

“I’ve had a lot of good things happen to me since I became pregnant,” Gim said with a smile. “I thought it was going to be difficult to compete while pregnant. But everything has been great.”

She also thanked her husband for his support.

“When we talked on the phone last night, he told me just to be myself,” Gim said.

Yonhap