Woo Sang-hyeok wins gold at season opener

PETER KO

Yongpeterko@gmail.com | 2025-02-11 19:39:43

Hustopece, Czech Republic – South Korean high jumper Woo Sang-hyeok won gold at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Tour meet in Hustopece, Czech Republic on February 9 (Korean time).

Woo cleared 2.31 meters, tying the world's best mark this season with Stefano Sottile of Italy and Yonathan Kapitolnik of Israel.

Woo was in control of the competition, clearing every height from 2.18 meters to 2.31 meters on his first attempt. Oleksandr Doroshchuk of Ukraine, his main competitor, attempted 2.33 meters after Woo cleared 2.31 meters, but failed twice. With Doroshchuk failing to clear 2.31 meters, Woo secured the victory.

After winning the gold medal, Woo attempted to break his own Korean record of 2.36 meters by raising the bar to 2.37 meters, but failed.

Woo has had a strong showing in Hustopece in the past, winning the event in 2022 with a new Korean record and finishing second last year.

"I receive a lot of support every time I come to Hustopece," Woo said. "I felt good competing today with the support."

Woo will compete in his second event of the season in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia on February 19. With no Olympics or Asian Games this year, Woo is focusing on the World Athletics Championships, which will be held in Nanjing, China next month and in Tokyo, Japan in September.

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