Arrogant South Korean athlete missed out on gold medal and exemption from military service

And he also dragged his teammate into the army. Which, obviously, will be grateful to him all his life.

A curious incident occurred yesterday at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. In the final of the men's 3,000-meter inline skating relay, a South Korean athlete named Chang began celebrating early and paid the price.

The athlete was at the finish line and was sure that he had already won. A few seconds before the finish line, he raised his hands up in jubilation and slowed down. This was enough for a more collected and cunning opponent from Taiwan to snatch victory from him. He was faster by just 0.01 seconds thanks to putting his left foot forward.

As a result, Chang not only let down his team, but will now go to the army, taking with him another fellow sufferer in the relay race. According to media reports, Chang and a member of his team expected to receive a deferment from service if they won a gold medal at the Asian Games. And what’s even sadder is that Chang will not be able to correct his mistake at the next Games in four years - roller skating was excluded from the competition in the tournament.

“My mistake was too big. I’m very sorry for my teammates, as well as everyone who supported me,” Chang commented on his action.