Speedskater for N. Korea Has a Really Rough Race

Jong Kwang Bom crashes—twice

By Newser Editors, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 20, 2018 11:10 AM CST

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North Korean Skater's Race Does Not Go Well — Jong Kwang Bom of North Korea crashes during the men's 500-meter short track speedskating heat. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

In his defense, Jong Kwang Bom is only 17 and "clearly" had no business lining up to race as an Olympic speedskater for North Korea, per a post at USA Today. But race he did, and things did not end well. Jong fell almost immediately after the start of his 500-meter heat, triggering an official do-over.

He lasted a little longer on his second attempt but soon enough crashed into the boards. Yahoo Sports has video of the races, including one potentially controversial moment: After his first fall, Jong appears to take a swipe at a Japanese skater's leg, though afterward Ryosuke Sakazume gave Jong the benefit of the doubt and chalked it up to a "reflex." (Read more 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics stories.)