Kim Jong-su

Kim Jong-su

Name	Kim Jong-su
Birth name
Birth date	(1977-01-01)1 January 1977
Birth place	North Korea
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Sport shooter
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Kim Jong-su (born January 1, 1977) is a North Korean sport shooter who has competed in international events, including the Olympic Games. He is known for his achievements in the 50 meter pistol and 10 meter air pistol events. Kim Jong-su gained international attention during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where he initially won two medals but was later disqualified for doping violations.

Early Life and Career

Kim Jong-su was born in North Korea and began his career in sport shooting at a young age. He quickly rose through the ranks in national competitions, demonstrating exceptional skill and precision in pistol shooting events. His talent was recognized by the North Korean sports authorities, and he was selected to represent his country in international competitions.

Olympic Participation

Kim Jong-su first competed in the Olympic Games during the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, where he participated in the 50 meter pistol and 10 meter air pistol events. Although he did not win any medals in 2004, his performance was commendable and set the stage for future competitions.

2008 Summer Olympics

At the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Kim Jong-su competed in both the 50 meter pistol and 10 meter air pistol events. He initially won a bronze medal in the 10 meter air pistol and a silver medal in the 50 meter pistol. However, following the competition, Kim Jong-su tested positive for propranolol, a banned beta-blocker, and was subsequently disqualified from both events. His disqualification led to the redistribution of medals to other competitors.

Doping Controversy

The disqualification of Kim Jong-su was part of a larger effort by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to enforce strict anti-doping regulations. The use of propranolol, a beta-blocker, is prohibited in shooting sports because it can reduce tremors and improve precision. Kim Jong-su's case highlighted the ongoing challenges in maintaining fair play in competitive sports.

Legacy and Impact

Despite the controversy surrounding his disqualification, Kim Jong-su remains a prominent figure in North Korean sports. His initial success at the 2008 Olympics brought attention to the potential of North Korean athletes on the international stage. The incident also underscored the importance of adhering to anti-doping regulations to ensure fair competition.

Also see

• 2008 Summer Olympics
• Doping in sport
• Shooting sports
• North Korea at the Olympics