North Korea’s Triumph at Paris Olympics Finally Acknowledged by State Media

Politics John Brightwater August 1, 2024

North Korea’s Triumph at Paris Olympics Finally Acknowledged by State Media

North Korea has ended its eight-year medal drought in the Olympics with a notable showing at the Paris Summer Olympics. The country’s table tennis team, represented by Jong Sik Ri and Kum Yong Kim, secured a silver medal, putting an end to a long stretch without Olympic victories for North Korea. This critically acclaimed achievement has finally been recognized by the government-controlled media, two days after the historic win.

The state news agency KCNA released a brief report detailing Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong’s journey to the quarter-finals and semi-finals, where they emerged victorious. However, their impressive streak was halted by the formidable Chinese pair, Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, in the mixed doubles final. The North Korean duo put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell short, settling for the silver medal.

In addition to the table tennis success, North Korea also clinched a silver medal in the women’s synchronized 10-meter platform diving event, with Jo Jin Mi and Kim Mi Rae making their mark at the prestigious sporting event. Despite these outstanding achievements, the country faced a medal drought in previous Olympic editions, failing to secure any medals in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, and opting out of the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021 due to COVID-19 border policies.

Furthermore, North Korea’s absence from the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing was a consequence of its suspension from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) until the end of the year. This was imposed due to the country’s failure to send a team to the Tokyo Olympics, resulting in its exclusion from the subsequent Olympic Games.

The North Korean table tennis athletes, Jong Sik Ri and Kum Yong Kim, garnered attention on the global stage as they engaged with international media during a press conference in Paris. Their amiable disposition was evident as they posed for a selfie with the Chinese and South Korean teams on the medal podium, symbolizing the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

This extraordinary feat by North Korea has captivated the world and serves as a testament to the power of determination and perseverance. The country’s resurgence in the Olympic arena has garnered praise and recognition from the international community, marking a momentous chapter in North Korea’s sporting history.

In conclusion, North Korea’s triumphant performance at the Paris Olympics has paved the way for a new era of athletic achievement and represents a significant milestone for the nation. The acknowledgment of these accomplishments by the state media signifies a step towards embracing and celebrating the successes of its athletes on the global stage, fostering a sense of unity and pride among the people of North Korea.