A superstar’s frustration
Kim Hae-ran, a 32 year-old player for the KGC team, said, “It was frustrating to see Kim handle so many roles.” On Aug. 16, the volleyball team lost to the Netherlands, 3-1 in the quarterfinals. Kim said she wished she could focus on the game.
The volleyball association faced fierce criticism as Kim had to interpret when she was supposed to focus on the games. After the Olympic schedule, athletes returned home separately.
The volleyball association quickly clarified. “Without an AD card, no staff can enter the stadium or the Olympic village. Even if we sent staff to Rio, they cannot assist the team. Also, hiring an interpreter was not an option.”
But securing the necessary number of AD cards is an administrative responsibility. The Korea Handball Association was also issued three AD cards. But the handball association appealed to the Korean Olympic Committee and the International Handball Association and had the medical staff and mental trainers issued daily passes. An association official was also issued a daily pass to provide interpretation. The volleyball association gave up without making the minimum effort to provide assistance for the athletes.
The incompetency and indifference of the volleyball association originates from financial struggle. The former chairman purchased a building for the association in Dogok-dong, Seoul, and the purchase resulted in a tremendous financial loss. Naturally, the national team did not get sufficient support. Rivals participated in the Volleyball World Grand Prix to improve their plays.
At the Rio Olympics, the Korean women’s volleyball team had a shot at a medal for the first time since winning a bronze at the 1976 Games in Montreal. Kim Yeon-koung is considered the best outside hitter in the world, and her skills are at their best. With minimum support, the women’s volleyball team could have won a medal.
But in Rio, the frustrating reality of the volleyball scene was revealed.
Two years ago, the women’s volleyball team was given a modest kimchi stew as a celebration dinner after winning a gold medal in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. The players smiled over the modest celebration two years ago, but after Rio, the team disbanded without even getting that.
JoongAng Ilbo, Aug. 26, Page 33
*The author is a sports news reporter of the JoongAng Ilbo.
KIM WON
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.
Standards Board Policy (0/250자)