(3rd LD)(Winter Olympics) S. Korea's Lee Jung-su wins second gold in short track

(ATTN: UPDATES with President Lee's congratulatory message, on-line response in last
6 paras)
VANCOUVER, Feb. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Lee Jung-su captured his second gold
medal at the Vancouver Winter Olympics on Saturday, winning the men's 1,000 meter
short track speed skating event.
Lee, who won the 1,500m race on Feb. 13, crossed the finish line a hair faster
than his compatriot Lee Ho-seok with a new Olympic record of 1:23.747.
American Apolo Ohno came in third to claim the bronze medal.
Lee Jung-su became the first South Korean athlete to win two golds in Vancouver.
His teammate Mo Tae-bum took gold in the men's 500m speed skating event and a
silver in the 1,000m event.
"I can hardly believe that I have taken two golds in the Olympic Games," said Lee
at a post-match conference. "Winning the second gold medal is like a dream. I
feel like I have earned it in another world."
In the race, Lee competed closely against Lee Ho-seok, Ohno and two Canadian
brothers -- Charles and Francois Hamelin.
The Canadians led the race in earlier laps, with the two South Koreans skating
behind them.
But Lee Ho-seok slid to the front with his trademark outside pass, ahead of other
contenders with three laps to go and Lee Jung-su followed.
Lee Jung-su picked up speed in the last corner and stretched out his blade at the
finish line to edge out Lee Ho-seok, who won two silver medals in the 1,000m and
1,500m in Turin four years ago.
"Lee Ho-seok led other players to use up their strength. They tried to catch up
with him and I got a chance to go up," said the 21-year-old skater. "Thanks to
Lee, I could advance to the front without impeding others."
Lee Ho-seok also told reporters, "I'm very happy with my first medal in
Vancouver. I'm not disappointed. Lee Jung-su did very well." He missed a medal
after a collision with another South Korean player in the 1,500m short track
final last week. Before the crash, he and his teammate, Sung Si-bak, were skating
second and third in the last lap.
"I've wanted to skate well in other events after the incident ... It was all my
fault."
Sung failed to reach the 1,000m final.
South Korea has dominated the 1,000m event, claiming five golds in the previous
six Winter Games since the sport became a regular Olympic event.
Adding bronze in the event, American Ohno has collected seven Olympic medals, the
most of any short track skater.
In the women's 1,500m, meanwhile, South Korea's Lee Eun-byul came in second to
grab her first Olympic silver medal after China's Zhou Yang, who won the race
with an Olympic record of 2:16.993.
Lee's compatriot, Park Seung-hi, came in third to claim bronze.
Park was leading the race but Zhou soared up to the front with three laps
remaining and easily finished the race in front.
"I'm glad that I took a medal in my first Olympics," said Lee Eun-byul. "I'm
sorry that I allow Zhou Yang to win the game too easily."
Park renewed her resolve to win the 3,000m relay on Wednesday, saying "We are as
strong as Chinese athletes. We expect good result in the event."
President Lee Myung-bak sent a congratulatory message to the South Korean
medalists, his office said.
"I, along with our people, congratulate all of you for winning medals," Lee said.
"Your strong spirit and excellent skills gave big impression and joy to all the
people."
"Thank you for raising the fame of the country and the people," he added.
Meanwhile, the gold medalist Lee Jung-su's Internet Web site was flooded with
congratulatory messages from fans and supporters.
"Sincere congratulations on your winning two medals. I wish you will win the
third in the 5,000-meter relay," a message read.
Another one read, "South Korea shines brighter because of you. I am proud of
being a South Korean thanks to you."
(END)