May 2023
K-sports
Q. Please introduce yourself.
Hello, my name is Choi Wang Ho and I am a member of the national inline roller skating team, competing in the 1000 m sprint at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. I am also a member of the Daegu City Hall team.
Q. How did you start inline roller skating?
I¡¯ve always had a vague dream of becoming an athlete since I was young. Then, in the third grade of elementary school, I had the chance to visit an inline roller skating rink and took part in a class competition. I won first place in the competition and discovered how much fun roller skating can be. That¡¯s how I got started with inline rollers.
Q. Can you tell us about the different types of inline roller skating events?
There are several different inline roller skating events. One is called DTT (Dual Time Trial), where two skaters race at the same time but are ranked based on their individual times. In sprint events, skaters compete together in a tournament-style format. Another event is called Elimination, where skaters complete 50 laps and are progressively eliminated until the final three compete for the rankings. There are also points elimination game, which combines a point system with the elimination format. At the upcoming Asian Games, there will be 1000 m sprint, 10000 m points elimination and 3000 m relay events.
Q. What is your main event?
My main event used to be the 10000 m points elimination, in which I won a silver medal at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games. However, recently, I have been focusing on the 1000 m sprint event, which I will also be competing in at the upcoming Asian Games.
Q. Changing your main event must have been a difficult challenge. Was there a special reason for it?
Originally, I was known for my speed, even for a long-distance skater, so I had competed in 1000 m races a few times. However, now that I am getting older, the long distance was taking a toll on my stamina. So, I shifted my focus towards speed, and fortunately, it has led to good results.
Choi during an interviewQ. You have been in the spotlight as a rising star since you were young, setting several new records. What¡¯s your secret to success?
It seems like my ability to make split-second decisions during the game is one of my strengths. In a game, variables often arise, but I am good at identifying the plays that opposing players, who are trying to pressure me, are trying to make and using them to my advantage, or modifying my planned play style to execute the game effectively.
Q. What is the key competency for an inline roller skater?
While physical strength and agility are important, consistency is the most crucial factor. While achieving high speeds can be thrilling, it is difficult to maintain such performance without consistent practice.
Q. In the first Asian Games, you participated as the youngest member of the national team, but now you are the eldest member and participating in your third Asian Games.
When I was selected as a national representative for the Asian Games for the first time, I was in my second year of high school. I didn¡¯t know anything and just followed my older teammates around. But as time went by, I became the eldest member of the national team, so it feels new to me. I want to show the younger junior players that I¡¯m doing my best at every moment.
Q. As you missed the gold medal in the last two Asian Games, it seems that you have a strong determination for this year¡¯s competition.
There is a saying in Korea that goes ¡°third time¡¯s a charm.¡± Like that saying, I want to win the gold medal in my third Asian Games.
Q. What tips would you give for watching inline roller skate races?
I would say that the allure of inline roller skating lies in its high speed. The rules are not complicated, so familiarize yourself with the rules of each event and enjoy cheering on the athletes as they push themselves to the limit and generate incredible speed. By doing so, you can enjoy watching the competition to the fullest.
(Left) Choi is training on the track. (Right) Essential gear for inline roller skaters includes roller skates, gloves and sunglasses.
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