Won Yun-jong, a 41-year-old Olympic silver medalist in bobsledding, has made history by being elected to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes' Commission, becoming the third Korean and the first from winter sports. The election took place in the athletes' village during the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, with a total of 11 candidates vying for two spots. Won led the voting with 1,176 out of 4,786 valid votes, surpassing Estonia's Johanna Talihärm, who received 983 votes.

Following the announcement of his election, Won expressed his commitment to advocating for the rights and voices of athletes, recognizing the critical importance of their perspectives in Olympic decision-making. With an eight-year term extending until 2034, he will play a vital role in ensuring that athletes' rights are protected and represented, holding equal decision-making power as other IOC members. This election also positions Korea favorably within the IOC, now having two representatives: Won and IOC Executive Board member Kim Jae-yeol.

Won previously competed as a pilot in the men's four-man bobsleigh event at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics, where he won a silver medal. After retiring, he transitioned to sports administration and served on the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation’s athletes' commission. His election campaign was proactive and well-coordinated, as he arrived in Milan prior to the Olympics to engage with voters across multiple venues, including Cortina d'Ampezzo. This appointment not only highlights Won's personal achievements but also enhances Korea's presence and influence in the international sports community.