1 April 2007 - Interview of PARK Kyung-Mo (KOR)

Interview of PARK Kyung-Mo (KOR) Ulsan – 1 April 2007   The 32-year old Korean archer is the first winner in the Archery World Cup’s history of the Recurve Men division. We met him on Sunday morning during the official practice.   Before the final in October in Mexico where he beat the Italian Ilario Di Buo, Park never finished lower than second in the two World Cup stages he participated last year! With Di Buo, there is no doubt he is one of the favourites again this year, starting at home this week.   For more biographical information, please see our ARCHERS section.   Kyung-Mo, what do you think of the overall World Cup? It’s really important for me. It is good to have major international competitions on top of the strong national ones in Korea this year.   What are your expectations for this event and for this year’s World Cup? Nobody knows about the results in advance! I will do my best. If I win the game, I will be happy.   Are you already thinking of the Olympic Games in Beijing? Next year’s Olympics will be the last Games for me because of my age. That’s why I really want to win the game!   How and when did you start archery? When I was young, my teacher recommended it to me.   What do you think of other sports? I am interested about other sports but I do not usually do them. I just enjoy watching.   How do you train? I usually train with coaching steps and other players. I just follow the programme scheduled by the coaching steps. When I need more training, I do it by myself.   What would you say are your qualities as an archer? I think I am competent in archery. That’s probably why I won several times (smiling).   What do you do for a living? In Korea, being an archer is a kind of job. I get salary from the Korea Archery Association.   Do you have other hobbies? When I have free time, I usually go fishing.   What do you expect for your future in general? These days, I am just thinking about Beijing Olympics and 2007 competitions in Korea.   Thank you very much and good luck!   Winnie (volunteer) / Ludivine Maitre Wicki FITA Communication