First Asian to claim Olympics sliding sport title

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"I think the gold medal I won holds various meanings. I believe it is for those who have worked hard and prepared with me,” said Yun Sung-bin, the Korean "Iron Man" who became the first Asian to claim a title in a sliding sport at the Winter Olympics.

Yun shared his happiness and pride with CGTN in an interview, saying that winning gold in PyeongChang is generating momentum and shows that Koreans are also good at the skeleton.

The host country, S. Korea, has been able to garner three gold medals. Two have come in short track speed skating. The other also came on the ice, but that was achieved in the skeleton. A first for the country, and for Asia, as Yun become the first person from his continent to triumph in the event.

“I thought it would be very hard to win a gold medal but I did believe it would be possible to stand at the top," he said.

South Korea's Yun Sung Bin wins the men's skeleton at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in S. Korea on Feb. 16, 2018. /VCG Photo

His skeleton dream came after a suggestion from his physical education teacher at high school. The champion memorized his beginning, claiming it’s an event that's hard for people to learn.

“It’s definitely difficult," he said. "I was able to start skeleton thanks to my high school physical education teacher. My PE teacher recommended skeleton to me, and fortunately, this event suits me well, which I believe is the reason I was able to do well in the end."

Talents always help when people want to succeed, but encouragement from others also does. Yun explained that not so many words from his PE teacher but the approval would be enough to motivate his fighting spirit. “I think he said so on purpose, but he is probably very happy in his heart," said Yun.

Gold medalist of Korea Yun Sung-bin stands on stage during the medal ceremony for the skeleton /VCG Photo

After winning the gold medal, Yun’s schedule was full of interviews, causing some changes in his personal life.

The winner said all those changes were for the better so he was going to accept them as an opportunity to improve in the future.

But right now, a good sleep may be the best reward for the exhausted and honored athlete since he has devoted himself to the Olympics for an extremely long time and overcome many hardships.

“I am willing to put aside all those difficult times I went through and have some personal time now, without any distractions," he said as the interview ended. "I am not sure about my future schedule, but if it's possible, I want to get a good night's sleep."