'rocket Man' Yun on Course for Skeleton Gold

Korean skeleton racer Yun Sung-bin took his first step to the top of the Olympic podium as the 23-year-old posted record times in the first two heats of the men's skeleton event at the PyeongChang Olympics, Thursday.

Wearing a Marvel's Iron Man-themed helmet, Yun clocked 50.28 to finish first among 30 racers in the first heat at the Olympic Sliding Centre. It was 0.36 seconds faster than the previous record set here by Martins Dukurs of Latvia last March.

The strong gold medal hopeful displayed his presence again in the second heat as he broke his first heat record after clocking 50.07. Overall, Yun recorded 1:40.35 seconds in the first two heats.

Yun has emerged as an absolute presence in the event as the Korean has won five of eight men's World Cup races this season.

If he wins a gold medal, he will be the first Asian athlete to win a medal in this event. Also, he could help his country's Winter Olympic medal capability as Korea has claimed its previous Olympic medals only in figure skating, short track and speed skating.

Another Korean racer Kim Ji-soo also fought well, recording the fourth-best time at 50.88 in the first heat and 50.86 in the second. Overall, Kim recorded 1:41.66.

Latvia's Dukurs, who has won all three world championships and all four European championships since the...