Gangwon 2024: Winter Youth Olympics

Anisha Nath (Kolkata, West Bengal) and Priyanka Padala (Hyderabad, Telangana)

Grow Together, Shine Forever

The 4th Winter Youth Olympics Games took place in Gangwon province of South Korea between 19th January and 1st February 2024. The province was also the home of the previously-held Olympic Winter Games Pyeonchang in 2018. The events mainly took place in the cities of Pyeongchang and Gangneung at the Gangneung Oval in Gangneung, and the Yongpyong Dome in Pyeongchang. The vision behind hosting the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympics was to encourage the youth to celebrate the spirit of “peaceful co-existence and unity” through sports. This year’s event aimed to drive a positive change in society, mainly in the areas of sports, education, and culture. Read along to discover the key highlights of the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

_{Picture Credits: Korea.net}

Gangwon Youth Olympics Inaugural Ceremony

The inaugural ceremony of the Gangwon Youth Olympics was a spectacular event featuring a blend of cultural performances, music, and technology. Athletes from around the world paraded into the stadium, showcasing their national pride, while the host country highlighted its culture and heritage. The lighting of the Olympic flame marked the official start of the games, symbolising unity and sportsmanship among nations.

Rappers ASH ISLAND, Hwasa, and Changmo performed at the ceremony, along with K-pop groups Hori7on, LUN8, and TripleS. Lee Jeong-min, a freestyle skier, lighted the cauldron. A volunteer kindled a secondary digital flame in Gangneung Olympic Park. Ninety-two luge athletes representing 26 different countries had competed in the men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and team relay events at the Alpensia Sliding Centre in Pyeongchang. IOC President Thomas Bach said,

“Dear young athletes: This is your moment, you are following in the footsteps of sporting icons who made Olympic history right here at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018. Now, it is your turn.”

South Korea’s Laudable Wins at Gangwon 2024

Out of all the 79 participating countries, South Korea has the highest delegation, with 102 athletes competing in 14 different sports. South Korea won 17 medals in total, 7 gold medals, 6 silver, and 4 Bronze.

South Korea had an impressive showing at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in Gangwon. In short-track speed skating, Joo Jae-hee secured gold in the Men’s 1500 meters event, while Kang Min-jee earned silver in the Women’s 500 meters. Chung Jae-hee and Kim You-sung clinched bronze in the Women’s 500 meters and Men’s 1500 meters, respectively. So Jae-hwan dominated the bobsleigh event, claiming gold in the Men’s category.

In snowboarding, Lee Chae-un excelled, winning gold in both the Men’s slopestyle and halfpipe competitions. Lee Yoon-seung triumphed in freestyle skiing, capturing gold in the Men’s dual moguls event. In the mixed team dual moguls, Yun Shin-ee and Lee Yoon-seung secured gold, while Lee Yoon-seung also grabbed silver in the individual event.

Figure skating saw Kim Hyung-yeom shine, winning gold in the Men’s individual event and contributing to the gold medal in the team event alongside Kim Jin-ny, Lee Na-mu, and Shin Ji-a. Shin Ji-a also earned silver in the Women’s individual event. In speed skating, Jung Hui-dan and Shin Seo-nung claimed silver and bronze, respectively, while Lim Jee-won and Heo Se-ok secured silver in the Mixed Relay.

South Korea’s Women’s ice hockey team displayed commendable skill, earning a silver medal, while Shin Yeon-su impressed in skeleton, clinching bronze in the Men’s event. 

Overall, South Korea’s athletes showcased their talent and determination, contributing to an impressive medal haul for their country at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics.

India at Gangwon 2024

During the opening ceremony, our tricolor was held high by India’s flag bearer, Sahil Thakur who proudly represented the country on the front foot. Sahil began his journey as an alpine skier with the Gulmarg games where he won the gold in the giant slalom at the Nationals. He also won a bronze in the slalom at the first Khelo India Winter Games. Thakur’s success at the selection trials at Gangwon in January 2023 led the way to Gangwon 2024, making him the third Indian to compete in the Youth Olympics. To progress his Olympics practice, he even participated in the UAE FIS Alpine Ski Slalom held from 6th to 9th November last year.

_{Picture Credits: Olympics.com}

He was the sole player representing India and competed in the men’s alpine skiing. Among 78 participants, he ranked 61st for his first run timed at 1:07.14. In slalom, athletes must ski down a slope, passing between sets of gates, in the shortest time possible. Failure to pass any gate leads to DNF (Did not finish). Unfortunately, he had a DNF in the second run and could not rank in the final standings for the men’s slalom event. Thus, ending India’s campaign at the 4th edition of Youth Olympics. Though the outcome wasn’t as expected, this serves as a learning experience for the 16-year-old to channel his efforts and shine in the future.

Conclusion

The 2024 Winter Youth Olympics held in Gangwon, South Korea not only showcased remarkable athletic achievements but also brought together the spirit of unity and excellence among youth. With South Korea’s impressive performance that secured them a significant medal tally across various sports, the country’s dedication towards sportsmanship and talent development deserves applause. Additionally, India’s participation and representation in this event signifies the country’s growing presence and commitment to nurturing the young talents of the country as well. Ultimately, the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympics was a remarkable event that emphasised the culture of sportsmanship and unity.

_{Picture Credits: Korean JoongAng Daily}

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