Kim Sang-gyeom and Yoo Seung-eun Medal Hopes… What’s Behind the Rapid Growth of Korean Snowboarding?
The success of Kim Sang-gyeom and Yoo Seung-eun at the Winter Olympics is highlighting the rise of snowboarding as a strong sport for South Korea.
Kim Sang-gyeom, winning a silver medal in men's parallel giant slalom, and Yoo Seung-eun, securing a bronze in women's big air, have brought attention to snowboarding as an emerging strength for South Korea at the Winter Olympics. These victories mark a significant milestone, as they represent the first medals for South Korea in snowboarding at the Olympics, following previous wins from past competitions. Additionally, the presence of promising young athletes like Choi Ga-on further bolsters the country's aspirations for future Olympic success in this sport.
Experts attribute the rapid growth of snowboarding in South Korea to several factors, including the emergence of new talent, the legacy of the Pyeongchang Olympics, and dedicated support from the Ski and Snowboard Association. The chairman of the Snowboarding Judging Committee emphasized that the rise in star athletes across various disciplines can be linked to these support systems enabling talented young athletes to train effectively and acquire advanced skills through international exchanges. The spotlight on athletes like Choi Ga-on and Lee Chae-woon showcases the depth of talent emerging from the younger generation, paving the way for future achievements.
Despite their smaller stature when compared to some of their competitors, the athletes' attributes such as balance and agility serve as significant advantages in high-difficulty snowboarding events that require aerial tricks. For instance, Shaun White, a three-time Olympic champion, and other smaller athletes have proven that height is not a limiting factor in excelling in events like big air, halfpipe, and slopestyle. This perception is creating a supportive environment that encourages athletes of varying physical attributes to succeed in snowboarding, further enhancing South Korea's competitive edge in the sport and illustrating its growing significance on the Olympic stage.