Collision at the Asian Games: Korean Swimmer Gets a Hard Lesson from a China Rival
What happened? In a rather awkward moment inside the training pool of the Asian Games, Kim Hye‑jin, the 24‑year‑old Korean breaststroke racer, unintentionally stepped on Chinese swimmer Duo Shen’s chest. Duo, who had stacked four gold medals from the 2014 Games, didn’t take the accidental bump lightly.
Here’s the story in—and hopefully—plain English:
- Korean officials say Kim’s foot misstepped on Duo while she was swimming behind her.
- Kim immediately said sorry—because a roll call at the end of the lane was the shortest courtesy she could offer.
- Duo followed Kim to the pool’s end, grabbed her ankle, and then—humanly or not—kicked her in the middle twice.
- Kim’s team is now demanding that the Asian Games organisers step in to investigate the incident.
- The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC) wants Dai to face a formal punishment if the assault turns out to be real.
- Duo’s apology was met with a firm “no” from the Korean side; Kim wants action that puts a stop to such unsportsmanlike stuff.
Why is this a big deal? Even in a sport that’s all about floating and time, violence is a no‑no. The KSOC wants the Olympic Council of Asia to make sure the incident gets a look that’s as good as a fast lap. After all, the Asian Games is meant to honor, not to turn into a battleground.
Kim finished fifth in the women’s breaststroke final on Sunday—so even with a late‑season “kicker” she still got a respectable finish. Though the pool may have felt a bit too hot after this event, there’s now a chance all sides will put the matter in the proper hands.
In short, it’s a classic case of “oops” turning into “show me the paperwork” while everyone watches, jaws clenched, hoping the sport stays fair and friendly.
