North Korea’s alpine skiing coach says it’s an “honour” to compete at the Pyeongchang Olympics, though he doesn’t expect much from any of his three athletes.
North Korea is sending 22 athletes, including the alpine skiers, to Pyeongchang thanks to special entries given by the International Olympic Committee amid rare reconciliation mood between the rival Koreas. North Korea initially had no athletes entered after its Olympic committee missed a confirmation deadline for a pair of skaters who had qualified to compete in the games.
“It’s our honour to take part in the Olympics. We surely have to win competitions but I mean attending the Olympics has a significant meaning,” the North’s alpine coach, Pyon Yong Do, said after a meeting of coaches on Sunday.
The unified Korean hockey team in action against Switzerland at the Pyeongchang Winter Games. Photo: Kyodo
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The other North Korean athletes taking part in the games are three cross-country skiers, two short-track speed skaters, a pair of figure skaters and 12 female hockey players who helped form the Koreas’ first-ever joint Olympic team with South Korean players.
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The joint Korean hockey team lost 8-0 to Switzerland in its historic debut match on Saturday night.
