March 10, Beijing time, a report from South Korean media stated that in response to Lin Hyo-jun's joining of Chinese nationality to represent China in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, opposition within the Korean Sports Association prevailed and believed that the Olympic champion could not be given to a direct competitor. . If the Korean Sports Association really refuses to reach an agreement with China, then Lin Xiaojun may not be able to represent China in the Olympic Games.
Earlier, according to a South Korean SBS TV station, an official of the Korean Sports Association stated in an interview that whether Lin Hyo-jun can represent China in the 2022 Winter Olympics requires the consent of South Korea. Then Korean media found this clause in the "Olympic Charter." The terms stipulate: "An athlete can only play as a new nationality after representing the previous country for three years." The last time Lin Hyojun represented South Korea was in March 2019, and the Beijing Winter Olympics was in February 2022. However, this clause is also possible to be flexible, that is, if the two countries reach an agreement, the clause will not be effective.
However, South Korea does not seem to want Lin Hyojun to become a Chinese player. After all, in short track speed skating, China is a direct competitor of South Korea. In addition, Lin Xiaojun chose to leave South Korea because he was punished. If he can participate in the Olympics in the end, it will set a bad precedent.
South Korea’s kmib website revealed that most of the members of the Korean Sports Association opposed Lin Hyojun’s change of nationality: "The negative opinions within the Korea Sports Association prevail. Because if Lin Hyojun is allowed to participate, it is equivalent to allowing those who are punished. It’s a bad precedent that players represent other countries to compete. In addition, it is equivalent to handing over the top Korean players to competing countries.” Another person also revealed: “Most people’s opinion is no, this is a blatant win for medals. In principle, we should abide by the relevant regulations."
For China, the introduction of Lin Xiaojun is undoubtedly a medal at the Beijing Winter Olympics. If it fails, everything is meaningless. What's more, the Chinese Ice Association also took a big risk, after all, Lin Xiaojun's reputation is not very good. Many netizens have already expressed dissatisfaction with this change of nationality.
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