The four-man bobsleigh team was not considered a medal contender, or even a dark horse. The surprising silver, first of its kind for an Asian bobsleigh team, felt more like a gold to South Koreans.

"We were in a country where it was difficult to have even one four-man bobsleigh team, but now we won an Olympic medal," said Kim, who served as a brakeman for the team. "I hope one day we can have 10 four-man bobsleigh teams and compete with each other."

Kim, who was competing in his third Winter Olympics, has been driving the sled for the last six years with Jun in the two-man competition, as well as the four-man. But for the first Winter Olympics at home, he let Won take over the pilot seat and decided not to compete in the two-man competition with Jun, so that they could concentrate only on the four-man race. "I trusted Won's driving technique," he said. "Since I also have a pilot experience, and I told him my feelings about our run, and we really had good discussions." 

Seo, who served as pushman with Jun, thanked Kim and Jun for their decision.

"I'm sure giving up a two-man event wasn't an easy decision," Seo said. "In other countries, I heard there's some friction among teammates, but our team's chemistry is just so great."

Jun said he believes this historic achievement is the beginning.

"No one thought that we would become the first Asians to win this medal, but we made it," he said. "I believe we'll improve and get better results."  (Yonhap)