South Korean blind archer grabs first world record of 2012 Olympics in London
Im Dong-Hyun of South Korea practices archery during previews ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 22, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Photographer: Paul Gilham/Getty Images
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 07/27/2012
LONDON (CNN) - The first world records of the London 2012 Olympics have been set by a blind South Korean archer -- hours before Friday's much-anticipated opening ceremony was due to begin.
Im Dong Hyun is legally classified as blind and cannot see out of his right eye, but it did not stop the two-time gold medalist bettering his own leading 72-arrow score in the qualification competition at Lord's cricket ground in the British capital.
The 26-year-old, who struggles to read a newspaper, scored 699, which put him top of the standings ahead of compatriots Kim Bubmin and Oh Jin Hyek.
The efforts of the trio also delivered a second world record, as South Korea registered a landmark combined total of 2,087 for the team event -- a discipline the Asian nation has won gold in at the last two Games.
Copyright CNN Wire
PRINT
Top Sports Headlines
-
Rays fan wants more safety for pitchers
A Tampa Bay Rays pitcher was struck in the head by a line drive, causing a mild concussion. it's the second incident of its kind at Tropicana Field this season, sparking more debate about whether pitchers should have better protection against baseballs hit towards them when they're most vulnerable.
-
Game 5: Spurs beat Miami Heat 114-104
-
Rays call up Wil Myers
-
Rays beaten by Royals again 5-3
-
Alex Cobb released from hospital
-
Royals flush the Rays 7-2
