Olympic Champion Oh Sang-wook Shares Story Behind His Iconic '180-Degree Split'

Oh Sang-wook has shared the story behind his trademark '180-degree golden split'.

On the 4th, the 880th episode of MBC's variety show 'Radio Star' featured a special episode titled 'Nation of Warriors' with guests Oh Sang-wook, Koo Bon-gil, Kim Ye-ji, Kim Woo-jin, Lim Si-hyun, and Lim Ae-ji.

Yoo Se-yoon introduced Oh Sang-wook as the 'first gold medalist of the Paris Olympics' and asked, 'Did you succeed in winning gold medals in major competitions?' Oh Sang-wook replied, 'Yes, I did. I didn't plan on it, but I won gold medals in the World Championships, Asian Championships, Asian Games, and the Paris Olympics,' proving his world-class status with a Grand Slam.

Koo Bon-gil said, 'I have all the medals, but I haven't won a gold medal in individual events.' Oh Sang-wook, who has swept gold medals in individual events, said, 'Sang-wook is the only one with a Grand Slam in individual events.'

When asked about the most thrilling moment, Oh Sang-wook said, 'The award ceremony was held at the 'Grand Palais'. It was incredibly large. When the national anthem played, I put my hand on my chest. It was thrilling and touching to see the crowd rise with a rustling sound.'

Asked if he had seen any memes of himself, Oh Sang-wook said, 'Yes, I have. Usually, there aren't many situations where memes can be made, but this time, many came out by chance. In the final, when the opponent didn't hear the start signal, I walked over and tapped him, which became a hot topic.'

He continued, 'There is a length called the piste in fencing. I was retreating to avoid an attack and stretched my leg to place it on the piste, which became a meme of me doing the splits.' Oh Sang-wook added, 'Usually, I can't do the splits, but in such moments, I exhibit superhuman flexibility,' drawing attention.

When Kim Gura asked if circumcision helped, Oh Sang-wook laughed and replied, 'A little bit, perhaps.'

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr