Feb 20 • 10:29 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Korea's first women's medal in snowboarding: Yoo Seung-eun 'I couldn't have come this far alone... I respect Choi Ga-on'

Yoo Seung-eun, at 18, captures Korea's first Olympic medal in women's snowboarding, reflecting on her challenges and camaraderie with fellow athlete Choi Ga-on.

Yoo Seung-eun, an 18-year-old high school student, made history by winning the first Olympic medal for Korea in women's snowboarding with a bronze in the Big Air event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. During a press conference held at Korea House in Milan, she shyly expressed her joy of wanting to return home to walk her dog, showcasing her youthful spirit amid her remarkable achievements. She also highlighted her significant struggles with substantial injuries to her ankle and wrist leading up to the Olympics, which required nearly a year of rehabilitation training, contributing to her resilience and determination.

Despite her injuries, Yoo managed to secure a spot in both the Big Air and Slopestyle events, leaving a legacy as the first Korean woman to reach the finals in Slopestyle. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized the importance of support and encouragement from her community, stating that she could not have achieved this milestone alone. Yoo expressed gratitude for the help she received from others, recognizing that their belief in her played a key role in her success.

In addition to celebrating her accomplishments, Yoo expressed deep respect for fellow athlete Choi Ga-on, who won gold in the Halfpipe event, demonstrating the camaraderie between competitors. Yoo's memorable moment came when she performed well in the first round of Big Air, which she acknowledged as an unforgettable experience, while also recognizing the need for improvement in her Slopestyle performance. Overall, her story highlights not only her achievements but also the spirit of collaboration and support in the competitive sports environment.

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