1,000 metres, Women

Despite the controversial 500 m, Cathy Turner continued as usual. In the first round, she bumped into Russian skater Tikhonova, but the move was allowed by the referees. She appeared to make it to the final, winning her heat, but was then disqualified for having cut corners. Turner was furious, claiming the referees had been after her following her alleged misbehaviour in the 500 m final.

Turner’s exit still left most of the favourites in contention. World Champion and World Record holder Nathalie Lambert qualified for the final, as did 500 m silver medallist Zhang. Two South Koreans made it to the last round: Jeon I-Gyeong, runner-up at the 1993 World Championships, and Kim So-Hui. Even Chinese skater Yang Yang [S] made it to the final, being promoted after an opponent’s move in the semis had caused her to fall. Veteran skater Lambert started the last lap in first place, but was then passed by the younger Chun, who held on for the victory.

When asked for the reasons behind the South Korean short track successes, the 18-year-old Chun cited the tough training regimen, with 6 hours of training a day, 3 on Sundays. Chun did not tell reporters that Korean training methods also involved coaches hitting or kicking skaters who under-performed.