By Honorary Reporter Monthi Rosselini from Indonesia
Photos = Yaroslav Lavreniuk

Korea next month will be the first Asian country to host the Youth Winter Olympic Games. Also dubbed Gangwon 2024, the tournament is scheduled from Jan. 19 to Feb. 1 in four areas of Gangwon-do Province: Gangneung and the counties of Pyeongchang-gun, Jeongseon-gun and Hoengseong-gun. 

Yaroslav Lavreniuk, 16, a Ukrainian competitor in the winter sliding sport of skeleton, will compete in Gangwon 2024. He was the youngest athlete at the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation World Cup in Innsbruck, Austria. 

The following are excerpts from an email interview with him held from Dec. 10-16.

Skeleton competitor Yaroslav Lavreniuk's dream is to compete in the Olympics. 

How did you get involved in skeleton and what interests you about it?

My parents asked me to try skeleton one day when I didn't know much about this sport. I wasn't sure whether I'd like it, but my main coach tested my ability, explained a lot about the sport and answered my questions. He warned me that it's a dangerous sport, but I wanted to try. I eventually got my first sliding training in October 2021. 

The biggest attraction for me about skeleton is speed. The speed record in this sport is 147 kph. Some are scared to drive a car at this speed, yet we drive a sled with nearly no protection, just a helmet, tiny suit, gloves and spikes. 

Yaroslav Lavreniuk poses with fellow skeleton athletes and Moongcho, the official mascot of Gangwon 2024.

How did you qualify for the Youth Winter Olympics?
To qualify for the Youth Winter Olympics, you must complete eight races, including one in Korea. You must also be one of your country's top 20 athletes in the sport because only 20 can enter this competition. We started our journey at a meet in Lillehammer, Norway, followed by another in Innsbruck, Austria, where I won two silver medals. Then we came to Korea for a tournament. The following season, we had the same competition schedule. I finished third in Korea and second and third in Innsbruck. So my next competition is Gangwon 2024.

How does it feel to qualify for the Youth Winter Olympics in Korea?
I feel great and proud of myself. It's always been my dream to compete in the Olympics. 

How are you preparing for the competition?
Basically, it's a lot of training now. I’m staying in Innsbruck and having gym sessions, track and field, and sliding training. It’s pretty hard to manage with school, but I’m trying my best. My coach, father and teammates help me improve my sliding and physical strength.  

What do you think about Korea and what do you like most about it?
I've visited Korea three times. The first time was for the Intercontinental Cup and the other two were for youth qualifier competitions. I like Korean history, food and people. Everyone here is very kind and nice. I also appreciate how Korea has helped my country during its hardship.

Any message for Korea.net readers?
Please support me and all athletes at Gangwon 2024. Your support encourages us a lot. Also, let's hope that conditions in Ukraine get better soon so that I can return to normal training. Thanks to everyone and Korea who have supported my country.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.