Lee Chih-kai Wins Bronze at Gymnastics Asian Championships, Says "10 Years Have Passed, and I Can Still Do It"

Taipei, June 21 (CNA) Taiwan's "Prince of Pommel Horse" Lee Chih-kai secured his first individual pommel horse bronze medal at the Asian Gymnastics Championships this year, ending a two-year slump in international competitions. Lee expressed his confidence, stating, "I encountered a similar situation 10 years ago, and 10 years later, I've still persevered and broken through my mental barriers."

Lee Chih-kai won a silver medal on the pommel horse at the Tokyo Olympics and a gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games, achieving a second consecutive victory. However, he faltered at the Paris Olympics, and subsequently, the International Gymnastics Federation changed its scoring system. Coupled with injuries, Lee had not stood on an international podium for a full two years.

Lee told CNA reporters, "This situation feels very similar to 2015-2016. I was in a slump then, and no matter how I competed, my results were poor. But I didn't give up; I kept refining, practicing, and identifying problems, which eventually allowed me to break through starting from the 2017 Taipei Summer Universiade."

Lee stated, "Although 10 years have passed and I've encountered the same situation again, I haven't given up this time either. I've continuously learned from my mistakes and worked hard to overcome physical injuries, which allowed me to win my first individual medal at the Asian Championships. It feels like I've rediscovered my original intention."

Lee Chih-kai has participated in five Asian Championships. He won the individual all-around gold medal and a team bronze medal in 2019. This year marks his first individual medal, and it was on his signature event, the pommel horse, which he described as deeply moving.

Lee mentioned that the past two years were not wasted. "At least I've learned from the new scoring system which moves are not penalized and what the international judges' scoring standards are."

Lee confidently said, "Even if the new cycle restricts the Thomas flair, it won't restrict my goal of winning medals and my drive."

Speaking about the team's fifth-place finish at this Asian Championships and securing qualification for the World Championships in October, Lee happily said, "Before we left, we prioritized the team competition over individual events. Completing this goal on the first day of the competition has significantly relaxed everyone. After all, participating in the World Championships offers a chance to directly qualify for the Olympics and allows for early preparation."

Lee emphasized that he and fellow gymnast Tang Chia-hung currently serve as stabilizing forces within the team, setting an example for the younger gymnasts. "Just like at this Asian Championships, I competed with injuries. The younger gymnasts have no excuses; everyone brought their best condition. This is what I wanted to see." (Edited by Chang Ya-ching) 150621)