Mar 20 β€’ 07:18 UTC πŸ‡°πŸ‡· Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

[Photo] Paralympic 'Smiley' Kim Yun-ji toasts with President Lee

Paralympic athlete Kim Yun-ji and teammates celebrated their achievements with President Lee Jae-myung at a luncheon at the Blue House.

On the 20th, the South Korean Paralympic team for the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics attended a luncheon hosted by President Lee Jae-myung at the Blue House. President Lee praised the athletes for their achievements, declaring that this year's performance was the best in history for the South Korean Paralympian contingent. He highlighted notable athletes such as Kim Yun-ji in Nordic skiing, Lee Je-hyeok in snowboarding, and Choi Sara in alpine skiing, expressing confidence that the public would remember the emotional moments shared by the athletes during the winter Paralympics.

Kim Yun-ji, who won two gold medals and three silver medals at the current competition, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to represent her country and share the national anthem during her time in Italy. She acknowledged that her accomplishments were not achieved alone but were the result of collective effort from coaches and staff. In a motivational message, she encouraged other individuals with disabilities to challenge themselves in sports without fear, highlighting the positive impact of such participation on self-confidence and achievement.

During the toast, wheelchair curler Lee Yong-seok remarked on the unity and determination of the South Korean team, who proudly decorated themselves with the national flag. He expressed gratitude to the South Korean people for their support, and concluded the celebration with a spirited cheer of β€œFighting!” for the country’s efforts in the upcoming Paralympic Games in Cortina. The atmosphere emphasized pride, unity, and community support for athletes with disabilities.

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