SEOUL — South Korean diver Kim Su-ji has made history by winning a bronze medal at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar. This achievement marks her as the first diver from the country to secure multiple medals at the world championships level.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim clinched the bronze in the women's 3-meter springboard event on Friday, scoring 311.25 points. She surpassed Australia's Maddison Keeney by 8.30 points to secure her position on the podium. The event saw China's Chang Yani and Chen Yiwen taking gold and silver with scores of 354.75 and 336.60 points, respectively.
Kim's accomplishment builds on her previous success at the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea, where she won bronze in the women's 1-meter springboard event. Her latest victory in Doha not only reaffirms her status as the only South Korean diver with multiple medals at the worlds but also secures her a spot in the upcoming Paris Summer Olympics. This will be Kim's third Olympic appearance, following her participation in the 2012 and 2021 Games.
South Korea's history with world championship medals in aquatic sports includes not only Kim's achievements but also those of swimmers Park Tae-hwan and Hwang Sun-woo in men's freestyle swimming. However, no South Korean diver has yet to win an Olympic medal.
Reflecting on her journey, Kim shared her growth and the significance of this latest medal, especially highlighting the presence of her parents during the event. "In Gwangju five years ago, I didn't think I was good enough to compete at this level... I feel so happy that I've been rewarded for my hard work. And this medal is extra special because I was able to win it in front of my parents," she stated.
Kim's achievement at the World Aquatics Championships represents a significant milestone for South Korean diving and sets a hopeful precedent for the country's future performances on the world stage and at the Olympics.