New IOC Member's Promise: Will Korean Athletes Finally Get What They Deserve?!

New S. Korean IOC Member Hopes to Reward Athletes' Trust

New IOC Member's Promise: Will Korean Athletes Fin...

MILAN – From bobsleigh pilot to sports diplomat, Won Yun-jong's journey has taken an exciting turn. The former Olympian, who once knew little about the inner workings of sports governance, has been elected to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes' Commission. It's quite the leap, and one that he seems ready to take on with enthusiasm.

Won's path to this point wasn't a straight line. He got his first glimpse of sports diplomacy at the Sochi 2014 Winter Games, seeing former Olympians represent athletes on the IOC Athletes' Commission. Then, at PyeongChang 2018, he witnessed Ryu Seung-min, the 2004 Olympic table tennis champion and Athletes' Commission member, in action. Clearly, it left an impression.

Now, a 2018 Olympic silver medalist himself, Won has secured a spot on the commission in Milan, a fitting location given the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The 40-year-old joins the ranks as the third South Korean to serve, following in the footsteps of Ryu and 2004 taekwondo gold medalist Moon Dae-sung. His victory was decisive, topping 11 candidates with a whopping 1,176 votes from 2,393 Olympians. That's a pretty strong mandate.

"Ryu Seung-min left a lasting impression on me back in 2018, as he worked so hard as a sports diplomat and also contributed to the development of Korean sports," Won said during a press conference at Korea House in Milan. Ryu, now presiding over the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC), clearly set a high bar. "And when an opportunity came up for me to run for a spot on the commission, I didn't even hesitate."

Athletes' Commission members serve lengthy eight-year terms, wielding the same responsibilities and rights as other IOC members. Won now joins Kim Jae-youl as one of two South Korean IOC members, increasing the country's representation in the organization. Since retiring from bobsleigh in 2022, Won has remained active in sports administration, serving on athletes' commissions for both the KSOC and the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation. He's been putting in the work.

One thing that likely helped Won connect with voters was his dedication to meeting them face-to-face. He visited athletes' villages across northern Italy during his campaign, navigating the geographically dispersed Olympics. He even admitted to spending up to 15 hours a day on his feet, a tough grind on his knees and back, but he felt it was crucial to hear directly from the athletes.

"The one thing I kept in mind from the beginning was that I wanted to do everything from the heart," Won explained. "I wanted to meet athletes in person and hear what they have to say. And thankfully, I was able to stick with that approach from start to finish, and I think it resonated with the voters." It sounds like his genuine effort paid off.

Won wants to support athletes from tropical or snowless countries in achieving their Winter Olympic dreams. "I've previously coached athletes from countries without snow and tried to ensure Olympic participation for as many countries as possible," Won said. "I want to support young athletes." This focus on inclusivity and expanding opportunities could be a real asset to the IOC.