SAINT-DENIS - In the aftermath of a disheartening performance at the Paris Olympics, South Korean high jumper Woo Sang-hyeok is already looking ahead to future competitions, with the Los Angeles Olympics as his next major goal.
According to Yonhap News Agency, who spoke candidly during a press conference, his seventh-place finish at the Stade de France was a tough pill to swallow, especially as it dashed the hopes of rewarding his coach, Kim Do-gyun, with an Olympic medal. Despite clearing 2.27 meters, Woo failed three attempts at 2.31 meters, falling short of his season-best 2.33 meters. His disappointment was palpable, not just for his own performance but for the sacrifices made by his coach. "All I have to do is to follow the plans he lays out for me. But he has to sacrifice his personal life to train me," Woo expressed, highlighting the dedication of his coach who spends most of the year away from his family.
Looking forward, Woo, 28, is determined to use this experience as a stepping stone, setting his sights on not only the next Olympics but also upcoming world championships and the Asian Games in 2026. He emphasized the continual need for improvement, stating, "Even on a bad day like this, I have to be able to get something out of it. This is going to fuel me. My Olympics may be over, but my career is not over."