(2nd LD) (Olympics) Moon congratulates gymnasts on Olympic medals

All News 22:00 August 02, 2021

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; ADDS details throughout, photo)

SEOUL, Aug. 2 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in sent congratulatory messages to South Korean gymnasts on Monday for winning medals at the Tokyo Olympics.

"It was an enchanting four-second performance on the vault," Moon said through his social media accounts, praising Shin Jea-hwan for winning a gold medal from the men's vault event at the Tokyo Olympics late Monday.

"This was not an accident. It is even more valuable as the result was based on his everyday perspiration and efforts," Moon added.

Moon also released a message for Yoon Seo-jeong, in which he noted that she won bronze in the women's vault the previous day via a "fantastic performance," based on her mental strength and outstanding skill.

South Korean gymnast Shin Jea-hwan holds up his gold medal in the men's vault at the Tokyo Olympics at Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo on Aug. 2, 2021. (Yonhap)

"It is the first Olympic medal in the history of South Korea's women's gymnastics," he pointed out in the note also posted on his social media accounts.

Moon also congratulated her on following in the footsteps of her father, Yeo Hong-chul, who captured silver in the men's vault in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

In another statement, the president also said that South Korea's Olympic athletes are "consoling and impressing" the people here who are weary of the fight against COVID-19 and the ongoing heat wave.

"I am very proud of the players who are trying their best, regardless of medals or results of games," he said at the outset of a meeting with senior Cheong Wa Dae aides.

South Korean gymnast Yeo Seo-jeong poses with her bronze medal from the women's vault event at the Tokyo Olympics at Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo on Aug. 1, 2021. (Yonhap)

Moon took note of the National Assembly's passage last month of a bill on the basic rights related to sports.

The government plans to proclaim the Basic Act on Sport during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

It stipulates the basic right for all people to enjoy sports without being discriminated against due to nationality, gender, race, physical conditions and other reasons.

Moon expressed hope that the introduction of the law will provide a chance for South Korea's sports culture to further mature.