Injury-hampered Yang Hak-seon calls time on gymnastics career

SEOUL, September 29 (AJP) - Gymnast Yang Hak-seon has retired after a pre-tune-up last Saturday ahead of next month's annual National Sports Festival in Busan, bringing his athletic career to a close.

Yang made history by winning a gold medal in the vault at the 2012 London Olympics. He also claimed victories in the vault at the 2011 and 2013 World Championships, showcasing his outstanding skills in the discipline.

He showcased his prowess on the vault through his eponymous techniques, cementing his status as the world's best vaulter.

However, injuries plagued him after the 2014 World Championships including a right hamstring problem and Achilles tendon surgery in 2016, which kept him out of the Rio Olympics.

At his retirement ceremony, also attended by his wife and son, Yang expressed gratitude to his fans and pledged, "Though my career as an athlete ends, I will continue to contribute to the development of South Korean gymnastics."

The Korea Gymnastics Association honored Yang's achievements with a commemorative plaque.

* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.

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