Saturday, July 28, 2012

Blind Korean archer sets first world record at 2012 Olympics

South Korean archer Im Dong-hyun sees the world through blurred colors and lines but that didn't stop the legally-blind Olympian from breaking a world record in a 72-arrow men's archery event at the 2012 Olympics Friday.

Im— who has 10 percent vision in his left eye and 20 percent in his right— broke his own record he set in Turkey in May by three points with a score of 699 in the opening round hours before the opening ceremonies of the 2012 London Games.



The 26-year old Im does not wear glasses while competing saying he relies on distinguishing between the bright colors and shapes of the target— including the melon-sized bulls-eye— while setting up his shot from 76 yards away.

Goodbye Robin Hood and hello Katniss Everdeen.  Archery is suddenly in vogue after the success of the film "The Hunger Games" which made shooting arrows kind of sexy.

In today's dramatic final round, Italy's Michele Frangilli hit the bulls-eye with his final arrow to give Italy the gold medal in the men's archery team competition.  The U.S. took home its first medal of 2012 with silver while Korea— who had won three straight Olympic Golds in this event— took the bronze.


The exciting finish was akin to a walk-off home run according to archery buffs and Jennifer Lawrence fanboys.

1 comment:

  1. This is truly an inspiring story. This guy is really amazing. God bless him. Makes me think about some of the things in life I so easily take for granted. Won't anymore !!!!!!!!

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