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Im Dong-Hyun: Blind South Korean Archer Breaks Own World Record at Olympics
July 27, 2012
In what is sure to be one of the most memorable Olympic performances this summer in London, South Korean archer Im Dong-Hyun broke the archery world record for 72 arrows on Friday, accumulating a score of 699 (via The Guardian).
What makes Im's performance so impressive is the fact that he suffers from severe myopia and is registered blind.
In a sport that demands incredible focus and sight more than anything else, Im has overcome the strongest of obstacles to throw down archery's finest Olympic effort.
The world record holder will look to lead the South Korean team to a third consecutive gold medal at the Summer Games. Im and his team won gold in Beijing and Athens.
Im and his South Korean teammates also smashed the team world record with a score of 2,087.
The former world No. 1 would love to win an individual gold in 2012, considering neither he nor his South Korean teammates have. After Friday's performance, there is no reason why he can't.
Im has garnered a massive amount of attention leading up to the London Olympics, and rightfully so. He has already exceeded the hype with his new world record and has brought positive awareness to both an unfortunate disability and an underrated sport in archery.
Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter for more reaction on the 2012 London Olympics this summer.
Lead image courtesy of Philly.com.