Choi Se-bin (24, Jeonnam Provincial Government) did not cry.
Choi Se-bin of the women’s fencing sabre team failed to win a medal after losing 14-151 points to Olha Harlan (Ukraine) in the women’s Sabri individual bronze medal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics at Grand Palais in Paris, France on the 30th (Korea time).
Choi took off as a “surprise star” in fencing on the day. He beat Tatiana Nazlymov of the U.S. 15-14 in the round of 32 and defeated Misaki Emura of Japan, the world No. 1 and the winner of the individual competition at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, 15-7 in the round of 16. In the quarterfinals, he clashed with Korean player Ha Yong-young, and trailed her 1-8, before dramatically reversing her lead to advance to the semifinals.
Choi lost 12-15 to Manon Apiti-Brune (France) in the semifinals and headed to the bronze medal match. 메이저놀이터
The mood for the bronze medal match was not bad, either. Choi led 8-3 in the first round, and appeared to be closing in on the podium, with an 11-5 run. However, after a sharp shake, Choi allowed an 11-12 upset, and when the score was tied at 14-14, he fell to his knees.
Among the players who advanced to the semifinals, the player with the most frustration is said to be ranked fourth. Choi Se-bin naturally has a lot of regrets, as he ranked first and even beat his Korean teammates, but ended up with no medal.
Choi, however, accepted the result calmly. “Winning and losing, but today was the day to win and lose,” Choi told reporters at a joint coverage area after the match. “I’m so sad that it’s today. It’s regrettable that I didn’t win a medal.”
Unfortunately, it has paid off. Just making it to the semifinals of the Olympics is encouraging. “I doubted myself before the Olympics. My sisters told me that they liked me and said I was good, but I had a hard time preparing because they didn’t trust me,” Choi said. “I felt that my skills are a piece of paper. I think I need to trust myself to run this event.”
Choi said, “Actually, I thought I’d feel sorry and unhappy if I came in fourth, but now that I came in fourth, I think I have gained a lot. It was good to fight against top rankers,” Choi said. “I’ll trust you guys as we all do it together in the team event. Now I can trust you. We worked together to prepare a lot. Please keep an eye on me.”
The women’s sabre team, which includes Choi Se-bin, will participate in the team event on August 3rd local time.
