Ahn Chang-rim, a third-generation Korean-Japanese judo athlete, expressed his feelings after winning a valuable bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and wanted to change the way people view Zainichi Koreans as Japanese.



In the men's 73kg bronze medal match in judo held at the Japan Budokan in Tokyo, Ahn Chang-rim won half of the match against Azerbaijan's Rustam Oruzov with 7 seconds remaining in the regular time and his special skill, the throw-up.



In an interview with the joint coverage area after the match, Ahn Chang-rim said, "I don't understand why I couldn't win the gold medal, but I have no regrets." He said, "I did everything I could to improve my skills while preparing for the Tokyo Olympics."



Today (26th) Ahn Chang-rim fought so hard that all matches were played as overtime until the bronze medal match.



Even though his physical strength was exhausted, Ahn Chang-rim showed his fighting spirit at the last minute of the match and won the bronze medal.



Born and raised in Japan, Chang-rim Ahn won the All Japan Student Championship at the Japan Budokan, where the Tokyo Olympic Games were held in 2013 when she was a sophomore at the University of Tsukuba.



At the time, Ahn Chang-rim was considered the next-generation ace of Japanese judo, but he did not give up his Korean citizenship.



In 2014, I moved to Korea and started my second life as a Korean player.



Ahn Chang-rim said, "At that time, the university bishop asked if he had any intention of naturalizing in Japan." He said, "I have never regretted keeping my Korean citizenship."



He continued, "Actually, Zainichi Koreans are called Koreans in Japan and Japanese in Korea. It is true that there is discrimination." He said, "I wanted to change the perception of Koreans in Japan for the better by winning a medal at the Olympics. Seeing my appearance, (Korean) children I hope you get a lot of strength."



He also shared his feelings about winning a medal at the Budokan, which is called the holy land of judo in Japan.



"It's an honorable place, but when I play, I let go of all my emotions and concentrate mechanically," he said.



When he said 'I flew the Taegeukgi on the Budokan,' he said, "It's not the highest place, so there's not much excitement."



(Photo = Yonhap News)