Decorated Athletes and Coaches from Special Olympics Korea make the journey to Turin, Italy for the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025. A mix of talent, youth, and personal triumph constitute an exemplary team of athletes. And they’re winning big!
From Olympian to Special Olympics Coach
There may be no better cross-country skiing coach for the Special Olympics World Winter Games than Hye-ri. She holds the honor of being the second female cross-country Olympian in South Korea’s history, competing at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Now she is lending her experience and skills to the athletes of Special Olympics Korea. Her guidance and training have helped her team win first place in two cross-country skiing heats. Shin Hwang, age 16, earned top marks in the 1K Free Technique F02 Final and her teammate Wonsang Cho, age 32, achieved first place in the M01 Final. Hye-ri cheered them on as they slid to victory, ecstatic to see their relentless training make a difference on the snow. She still observed ways they could improve their game for future races, but recognized they had many reasons to celebrate.
Lighting the Flame
Suk Il Hwang’s connection to the Special Olympics World Winter Games stretches back over a decade. In 2013, he was the final torchbearer at the PyeongChang Special Olympics World Winter Games, marking the beginning of the event and his hopes of one day competing on the world stage. The thrill of carrying the iconic torch in front of the crowd in his home country stirred a fire to compete. But he needed time and financial support. So he found a job at a local trading company, where he initially struggled, but after applying the discipline he honed in snowboarding, he found his groove. Now, twelve years later, Suk Il has made his dream a reality and won gold in the Intermediate Slalom Final F21 in Turin!
Overcoming Depression Through Skating
Sports has an ability to break down barriers. Not just physical, but social. For Seungmi of South Korea, she often struggled with depression when she was younger. She felt isolated and had difficulty socializing. These challenges manifested in negative behaviors and frustrations, where Seungmi would even throw things just to try to express herself.
Her family knew she needed an outlet. Something that could help her channel her feelings and open a connection with others. So she tried speed skating. And took to it immediately. It has boosted her confidence, fostered relationships with her teammates and she’s been competing at the highest level since the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Idaho. The young skater who once shed tears in Idaho in 2009 is now leading Special Olympics Korea as team captain, with two silver medals (in 777m – F01 and 1500m – F01).
The Youngest Athlete in Turin!
Jibaek Jeong from South Korea holds an auspicious title. At the age of 15 years old, he is the youngest athlete competing at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games. But the world stage is not intimidating for Jibaek as he has performed extremely well at the national level. He began skating at the age of 11 and showcased his remarkable talent at the 2022 Special Olympics Korea National Winter Games. And in 2023, 2024, and 2025, he participated in the National Winter Sports Games with Disabilities, earning medals and distinguishing himself as one of the most promising student skaters in Korea. Now in Turin, he has proven himself a champion by earning a gold medal in the 333m – M01 race and a bronze in the 777m – M01!
