Congratulations on the 105th anniversary of the Korea Sports Council! Celebrating the surprise appearance of IOC Chairman Coventry in real time, Olympian Choi Min-jeong X Woo Sang-hyuk and a heartwarming question-and-answer
Jul 15, 2025
|
|
At 3 p.m. on the 15th, the Korean Sports and Olympic Committee held the 'Beyond TIME, 105th Anniversary of the foundation of the Korean Sports and Olympic Committee, No Future' event at the Taeneung Training Center in Seoul. On the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the foundation of the Korea Sports Association on July 13, we looked back on the journey of Korean sports, re-examined the meaning of sports that contributed to national development and people's lives, and shared our vision for the future of the 100 years to come with the people. The 105th anniversary ceremony, which marks the first time since the inauguration of Yoo Seung Min, was not a formal event, but a venue for communication that continued practical discussions for the future.
In particular, it was meaningful to see Coventry, the new IOC president, the first female head of the IOC, celebrating the 105th anniversary of the foundation of the Korean Olympic Committee in real time through an online video connection. Chairman Yoo Seung Min and Chairman Coventry joined the official request of the Korean Sports Council to participate in the 'Conversation with Players'. The head of the Olympic swimming legend, who worked with President Yoo Seung Min when he was a member of the IOC Athletes Commission, was willing to respond to KOC's invitation despite his busy schedule. Chairman Coventry, who greeted Chairman Yoo Seung Min warmly, congratulated him on the 105th anniversary of the foundation of the Korean Sports Association in his congratulatory speech "Sincerely congratulating the 105th anniversary of the foundation of the Korean Sports Association."I went to Korea during the Gangwon Youth Olympics last year. South Korea is a very important country for the IOC's Olympic Movement, which has hosted the Seoul Olympics, Pyeongchang Olympics, and Gangwon Youth Olympics. I sincerely thank you for your dedication to the development of sports in Korea. I also sincerely support the slogan 'No Sports, No Future' proposed by the Korean Sports Council. The IOC will always be with the KOC. I want to go to Korea soon and have a deep discussion about the partnership" delivered the message.
The order was followed by Choi Min-jeong asking questions directly to Coventry Chairman of the Republic of Korea's representative Olympian 'Smile Jumper' Woo Sang-hyuk, 'Short Track Empress'. In fluent English, Choi Min-jeong called for a message to convey to women who dream of leadership in sports as the first female IOC president, responsibility and vision as a female sports leader amid the growing proportion of female athletes and female leaders in the Olympics. Chairman Coventry congratulates him on his participation in the Milan-Cortina Olympics.I have watched Choi Min-jeong's game. "Short track is one of my favorite events. "I hope I have a chance to meet you in Milan." he said, before answering the question. "The gender ratio was 50-50 at the Paris Olympics. More female athletes should participate. I hope more leaders will come out, not only from players but also from leaders and federations. I feel a great responsibility to develop more female athletes and leaders." "I hope both male and female players will be given the opportunity as leaders. And I hope it plays a role in distributing that opportunity to the next generation. The more opportunities we share, the stronger we will be."
Woo Sang-hyuk then asked Coventry about the most difficult moments before and after he peaked as a swimmer with seven medals from five Olympics, how he overcame them, and the IOC's program for continuity of his career. Coventry said "The process of going from an athlete to an ordinary person is difficult and disturbing. Fortunately, I received a lot of help from many people and prepared even before my retirement. Training is as important as players in order to overcome anxiety and surrounding gaze. It is important to keep training, planning, training, and trying new things to make a career transition." "It was very difficult to go to the Olympics, but after becoming an Olympic champion, there were so many opportunities. Once many athletes enter the path of Olympian, the IOC will actively pursue a support program to close the gap between reality and ideals when making a career transition after retirement."
Following the question-and-answer, Chairman Yoo Seung Min took the podium with Choi Min-jeong and Woo Sang-hyuk and presented a uniform with the signatures of the national team players to the IOC President Coventry. Chairman Yoo said "It is a gift that contains the hearts of our players. When we meet at the Singapore World Swimming Championships later this month, I will deliver it to you," Coventry said. "See you then!," he replied with a big smile.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
