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By Honorary Reporter Eftychia Dovletoglou from Greece
These photos are of the Greek national team at the Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics (Jan. 19 to Feb. 1) and highlights from the competition. (Hellenic Olympic Committee, Vasileios Rosenlis and Apostolos Vougioukas)
The Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics (Gangwon 2024) in Gangwon-do Province runs from Jan. 19 to Feb. 1. Greece sent 14 athletes ages 16-18 to compete in five sports.
To learn more about how the Greek national team felt about the atmosphere and organization of the event, I interviewed via email on Jan. 27 the squad's chief of mission, Dimosthenis Gyrousis.
The following are excerpts from the interview.
I am chief of mission of the Greek national team for Gangwon 2024 and a representative of the Winter Sports Federation on the Hellenic Olympic Committee. I was also chief of mission for Greece at the 2022 Winter Olympics in China. As a former educator and coach, I participated in the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Games in Japan as a cross-country skiing coach. As a competitor, I was a cross-country skier from 1978-86, winning the national men's individual competition in 1983.
The Greek national team poses for a photo on Jan. 17 with Greek Consul in Korea Dimitrios Niavis (far right) and Konstantinos Daskalopoulos (far left), an official from the Greek Embassy in Seoul, at Incheon International Airport. (Hellenic Olympic Committee)
How was the reception of the Greek team in Gangwon-do?
As soon as we landed at Incheon International Airport, volunteers picked us up with buses and took our gear directly to our rooms. We appreciated this because our gear was big and heavy. The volunteers were always willing to help, making our stay comfortable and enjoyable.
What is your opinion of Gangwon 2024's organization?
The facilities have a high standard and are the same used at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Having been there (in 2018), I knew that the athletes and coaching staff were satisfied then, as they are now.
Also, many volunteers are everywhere and help with any problem that arises. Though we haven't had any problems, seeing the volunteers and staff ready to help was comforting.
What has impressed you most about the event?
Everything is focused on the athletes and their comfort. Our Alpine athletes are also happy with their accommodations because their rooms are right on the slopes and transportation is easy. But even for athletes of other sports that take as much as 2 1/2 hours to go from their rooms to the competition venue, they can ride a bus that comes on time. All the athletes were also satisfied with the gym, swimming pool and other amenities to keep them in good physical condition.
None in Korea. The difficulties we faced were before we came here during training.
Greek Alpine skiers and their coach pose for the camera on Jan. 18 with the Gangwon 2024 mascot Moongcho at the Olympic Alpine Ski Village. (Hellenic Olympic Committee)
Our athletes said this experience has fascinated them. They love the tents set up in Gangwon-do and often go to play quizzes, skill games or basketball to win token gifts such as badges, caps and gloves.
What do you find the most enjoyable part of this competition?
Compared to the three previous Youth Winter Olympics, Greece has a larger national team this year, namely 14 athletes competing in alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
jihlee08@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.