Korean wins gold for uncle who died in Doha

Kim Kyun-sub of the Republic of Korea competes during the equestrian dressage team competition at the equestrian venue on Sunday. Nicolas ASFOURI / Agence France-Presse

GUANGZHOU - The Republic of Korea's Kim Kyun-sub realized his dream on Sunday of winning an Asian Games gold to honor his uncle who was killed at the last Asiad in Doha when his horse threw and crushed him.

Kim was part of the ROK team that claimed the equestrian team dressage title ahead of China and Malaysia.

"I hoped I could win gold in dressage to honor my uncle. I trembled before I came into the arena," said Kim, who joined Choi Jun-sang, Kim Dong-seon and Hwang Young-shik on the podium.

His uncle, Kim Hyung-chil, 47, died on a rain-sodden course in Qatar four years ago when his horse hit a fence, stumbled and threw him to the ground during the individual cross country event.

The mare, Bundaberg Black, fell on him and Kim was crushed.

Kim, who left a wife and two children, died from multiple skull fractures and severe bleeding while the horse broke its hind legs and had to be put down.

For Choi, Sunday's victory was his third straight gold in team dressage, joining another rider from the ROK, Suh Jung-kyun as the only athlete to win the same equestrian event three times in a row.

It was also his fifth Asian Games gold.

"Chinese riders are strong and rode well, but I trust my riders and horses," said ROK coach Shin Chang-moo.

"That's why I thought we could gain the gold medal. It lays a good foundation for further success."

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 11/15/2010 page)