Won Yunjong (left) and former biathlete Johanna Taliharm of Estonia, the newest members of the Athletes' Commission of the International Olympic Committee, on Feb. 19 pose for photos at the athletes' village of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy. (Korean Sport & Olympic Committee)
By Charles Audouin
Former national bobsledder Won Yunjong, the first Asian medalist in the four-man bobsleigh in a Winter Olympics, has been elected to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes' Commission.
The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee on Feb. 19 announced his election at the athletes' village in Milan of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy. Winning the silver at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, he is Korea's third member on the commission following table tennis icon Ryu Seung-min and taekwondo gold medalist Moon Dae-sung and the nation's first from a winter sport.
Athletes competing in the latest Winter Olympics participated in the voting. Won was joined by Estonian biathlete Johanna Taliharm as the newest members of the commission.
Won will be nominated as a candidate for IOC membership at the IOC Session on Feb. 22 and gain official entry after receiving approval. Along with Kim Jae-yeol, who was elected to the IOC Executive Board on Feb. 4, Won will be the second Korean member of the IOC.
Won on Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. will be introduced as a new commission member at the closing ceremony of the Winter Games, with his official term starting the next day. For eight years, he will represent Olympic athletes and play a bridging role to reflect their voices in key IOC policies.
"I guess meeting and interacting with many athletes at the Olympics led to good results," Won said after his election. "I will strive to be a committee member who steps up first for athletes."
President Lee Jae Myung also congratulated Won on his election.
"I believe Won Yunjong will play a major role on the IOC Athletes' Commission in representing the rights and interests of athletes worldwide and spreading the values of peace and solidarity through sports," the president said. "Given your vast experience and balanced perspectives, I look forward to your leadership for creating a responsible sports environment for future generations."
caudouin@korea.kr
