North Korea’s Ri Se-Gwang won Olympic gold on the men’s vault in artistic gymnastics in Rio on Monday (Aug 15).
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The 31-year-old Ri scored 15.616 and 15.766 on his two vaults, both of which included moves named after him, for an average score of 15.691. Japan’s Kenzo Shirai took home the bronze with a score of 15.449. It’s the second Olympics in a row in which Ablyazin has won silver in vault and is his third medal of the Rio Games. For the second attempt, Ri nailed another 6.4-point vault, this time the one bearing his own name.
South Korea’s Yang Hak-Seon won in London 2012 but did not defend his title.
According to the interview transcript by the Olympic News Service, Ri said the gold medal is special because it means something to the people.
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“I was filled with a lot of emotions and joy because I thought I was able to bring a sense of victory and glory to our leader”, he told reporters, cradling his medal in his hand. “I wanted to win this gold medal for all the love I have received from my country”.
