South Korea's Lee Sets New Olympic Record for Women's 500 Meters Speed Skating

By The Moscow Times

Feb. 11, 2014

SOCHI — South Korea's star speed skater Lee Sang-Hwa retained her Olympic title in the women's 500 meters in Sochi on Tuesday, scorching around the Adler Arena track to set a new Olympic record while Russia's Olga Fatkulina claimed the silver on home ice.

Lee, 24, had a 0.15 second lead after race one and pressed home that advantage to clock a combined 74:70 seconds over two runs. The 37.28 seconds clocked on her second run is an Olympic record.

Fatkulina massively improved on 20th place in Canada four years ago to clinched silver with an aggregate 75.06.

Dutch skater Margot Boer claimed bronze with 75.48.

Lee was the overwhelming favorite after winning all seven World Cup races that she has entered this season and breaking her own world record three times along the way. She also won world championship gold at the Adler Arena last year.

It is also the first time a Sochi speed skating gold medal has not been claimed by the Netherlands, after Dutch podium sweeps in the men's 500 meters and the 5,000 meters, and Ireen Wust winning the women's 3,000 meters.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue