Korean athletes criticized for cleaning podiums at Beijing Olympics

 Korean athletes criticized for cleaning podiums at Beijing Olympics

Cha Min-kyu used his hand to wipe the podium before standing up to receive a medal during the 500m speed skating awards ceremony at the Beijing Olympics on February 12.

Global Times said Cha Min-kyu's act of cleaning the podium was controversial, when it showed that the contest was "unclean and unfair". The move of the Korean male athlete was mocked by Chinese social media users as not creating a highlight.

In the final content of the men's speed skating 500m, the athletes competed separately, so there was no bad play with each other. Gao Tingyu of host China won gold and set a new Olympic record with a time of 34 seconds 32. Cha Min-kyu received silver with 34 seconds 39, while Morishige Wataru of Japan received bronze with 34 seconds 49.

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Cha Min-kyu's act of cleaning the podium. Photo: Yonhap.

Min-kyu's podium wiping can be traced back to the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, when it was first used by Canadian athletes to mock the competition, after they were allegedly fouled in the speed skating final. about 3,000 meters short, according to Global Times.

Many Chinese social media users criticized Min-kyu's actions: "Don't blame the referee, blame your skills" or "Why can't Korean athletes admit defeat? ". Another account mocked: "Please wipe it clean to slide faster".

The 2022 Beijing Olympics is equipped with a 360-degree camera, capturing every moment. So even if athletes use tricks to win, their actions will be caught on camera and shown for the referee and everyone to see.

Before the criticism of Chinese fans, Min-kyu spoke out on the afternoon of February 13. He explained: "The podium is a precious and meaningful place for me. Therefore, I want to go up with a more respectful attitude."