Female firefighter wins fitness contest

Firefighter Lee Min-young, right, receives her award after she wins a fitness challenge in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, June. 1. / Yonhap

By Kim Jae-heun

Female firefighter Lee Min-young won a fitness contest held June 1 in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province.

Lee, who works at Anseong Fire Station, participated in the firefighters' competition as the only female contender among 13 contestants.

“I started my body-building program last November to participate in the firefighters' fitness contest. I stopped eating flour-based and greasy foods. I worked out with my trainer at our fitness center,” Lee said in an interview with the local press. “Of course I am nowhere near the fitness level of those who participate in professional fitness contests. I am just happy I made it through and achieved a good result.”

Lee was a short track speed skater until she turned 17. She stopped skating on her parents' recommendation and decided to find a job in uniform.

“There was a fire station near my home and I once asked them if they hire female firefighters. But they said no because women are weak. In that moment when I thought I wanted to become a firefighter and prove them wrong,” Lee said.

Lee did not think of participating in fitness contests at first. She did not like the idea of showing her body in front of people. Also, she had to give up many foods and overcome prejudices that women can't build muscles.

“I thought this contest would give me the opportunity to show my potential as a firefighter. I always wanted prove I am a strong firefighter,” Lee said.

While preparing for the contest, there were many times when Lee could not bear her hunger. One time, she cooked three packs of instant noodles and ate them all with a bowl of rice. She regretted it the next day and started working twice as hard.

Though many people support female firefighters, prejudice still exists.

“For the physical endurance test, female firefighters only need to run 50 20-meter relays to make the top score. I ran 77 relays. Some people just did not like it,” Lee said. Men have to run 85 relays.

“I get scared too when people look at me negatively. But I will always stay positive and show the world there are female firefighters like me.”