Last week, a South Korean website brought up some dubious messages from 2018. Sent just before the 2018 Olympic final.
In it, Shim Suk-hee mocked compatriot Choi Min-jeong in front of a coach and said she might have to perform a “Steven Bradbury” (the Australian who once won gold because everyone fell for him).
And effective: in the final of the 1,000 meters during the Pyeongchang Games, the two South Korean short track players crashed after a collision. Shim was then judged to be the culprit and was disqualified.
The messages that have surfaced now, of course, shed a different light on the whole matter. The South Korean skating association has launched an investigation to find out whether there was intent.
Shim has been removed from the national team for the time being and had to leave the training camp in Jincheon. There, the team is preparing for the qualifiers for the 2022 Olympic Games.
The short track star has already apologized for the old messages, but emphasized: “It was an unfortunate collision. I would like to sincerely apologize for disappointing and hurting many people with my immature actions and words.”
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The Olympic gold in the 1,000 meters went to the Dutch Suzanne Schulting. Choi had won the Olympic title in the 1,500 meters a few days earlier.
Shim and Choi, together with two teammates, also took gold in the 3,000 meter relay. Those two gold medals were the only medals in the short track that the South Korean women won in their own country.
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