Lee Jung-su

“It’s amazing to me, knowing that I inspired him,’’ said Ohno. “Two Americans on the podium. It never happened before in our sport.’’ The gold went to Korean Lee Jung Su, who apparently had crossed the finish line thinking he was part of what would have been the first 1-2-3 finish for any nation in any short-track event. He looked somewhat stunned to be joined on the podium by a pair of Americans.

Lee Jung-Su credited a change of strategy after winning men's 1500 metres gold for Korea when the short track speed skating programme got under way at the Pacific Coliseum.'I changed my strategy today and went to the front and I think it worked out,' Jung-Su said, before lamenting the lack of a Korean sweep.'Unfortunately Korea could not get silver and bronze as well but I'm happy with my gold medal.'

Winner Jung-su Lee (C) of South Korea poses with second- and third-placed Americans Apolo Anton Ohno (L) and J.R. Celski during the flower ceremony of the men's 1,500m short-track event at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Olympics on February 13, 2010. AFP PHOTO/Dimitar DILKOFF (Photo credit should read DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP/Getty Images)