It lasted less than a minute, but for Andy Jung it was the culmination of years of training across two continents.
In early December at a Melbourne ice skating rink, the 20-year-old qualified to represent Australia in the 500m speed skating event at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games in February. The same weekend, he also qualified for the 1500m race, bringing him a double shot at Olympic glory.
"My favourite distance is 500m," he said. "It's really quick, done in like 41 seconds," he told SBS News.
"A lot can happen. With a bit of luck, maybe I can medal. I know that I train as much as they do. It's just a mental thing. Everyone is strong, but I'm strong too."
Born Hyun Woo Jung in South Korea, his family moved to Melbourne when he was 12 years old. He learned very quickly that sport would be an ideal way to develop a closer connection to Australian society.
"In Korea after school, we don't really do sports," he explained. "You always have to go to some study academy and stay there until late night.
"In Australia, everyone plays sports. Everyone loves sports. For me, not speaking English, it was easy to use it to get around people."
Andy Jung has qualified for the 500m and 1500m speed skating at next year's Winter Games in South Korea. Source: Olympic Winter Institute of Australia
The need for speed
After attempting several sports, Jung ended up embracing inline skating and speed skating, which he remembered trying when he was much younger. His choice came as a surprise to his mother, June Kang.
"I didn't expect there to be skating because (Australia) is a summer country," she told SBS News.
"But ... He said to me, 'mum, I'm in heaven'."
Pursuing the sport seriously has meant travelling back and forth between Australia and South Korea. While Australian Ice Racing, the sport's governing body, has been instrumental in Jung's success, the level of competition and facilities in Seoul have proved beneficial, particularly under the watchful eye of acclaimed speed skating coach Jae-Su Chun.
Ms Kang said while her family made lots of sacrifices over the years, they've all be worth it.
"I can't go (with Andy to Korea) because I need to support him from here to earn the money," she explained.
"Sometimes he needs to stay there with a limited budget, and he needs to cook the food by himself. It's very hard for me.
"But I said to him, it doesn't matter if you win or fail. I'm definitely concerned that you do your best. That makes me very happy."
Going for gold
Australia has competed at every Winter Olympic Games since 1952 but has only brought home 12 medals. Two of them were in speed skating, and Mr Jung remains confident he could add to the tally.
Lachlan Hay, a two-time Olympian and Australia's short track speed skating coach, agrees.
"Actually being selected for his first Olympic Games, it's probably gonna give him more of that hope that he really can be on a podium," he said. "His speed is right up there."
"All he needs to do is stay calm, keep that aggression inside of him as well, and at an Olympic Games, especially in a 500 meter anything can happen. It's shown previous times before."
Jung said he was proud to represent Australia, despite most of his training taking place in his country of birth, and where the Games will be held next year.
"Since I moved to Australia, I felt like I was Australian," he said. "I may look Korean and I have Korean blood, but living here changed my mind. I feel like Australia is a better place to live."
