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Pyeongchang Winter Olympics 2018
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North Korean cheerleaders perform during the women’s preliminary round ice hockey match between the unified Korea team and Switzerland at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics. Photo: AFP
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North Korean ski coach: it’s an ‘honour’ to compete in Pyeongchang Winter Olympics

North Korea has sent 22 athletes, including the alpine skiers, to South Korea thanks to special entries given by the IOC

Pyeongchang Winter Olympics 2018
Associated Press
Associated Press
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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

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.

Pyon said he was happy to see the Korean hockey team competing with a “single-minded” unity, saying the two Koreas could also field a joint alpine team in the future. “It was done in hockey, so why not with us?” he said.
Kim Ryon Hyang is one of a short roster of alpine skiers sent by North Korea. Photo: AP

North Korea is weak in winter sports, and none of its 22 athletes at Pyeongchang is expected to bring home a medal. Pyon said he doesn’t have big expectations from his skiers.

Kim Ryon Hyang was expected to start her competition on Monday, but strong winds forced alpine organisers to postpone the women’s giant slalom until Thursday. She will now begin on Wednesday in slalom. The men, Kang Song Il and Choe Myong Gwang, are on next week.

The Olympics-inspired detente mood flared after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un abruptly expressed his willingness to send an Olympic delegation.

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