From dramas of Rio to PyeongChang dreams

Paralympic Alpine skier Yang Jae-rim, right, is seen during training in Canada. / Courtesy of Yang Jae-rim / Jung Ki-rak

Yang Jae-rim poses during an interview with the writer.

By Hong Sung-min

Maybe one of the reasons this year has been one of the hottest years is due to the Olympics being held in South America for the first time in the history of the Games. The Rio Olympics saw dynamic performances and dramatic sportsmanship through its Olympians and supporters from all over the globe, which were enough for the year 2016 to get exceptionally heated. With the enthusiasm of Rio still in the air, I met Yang Jae-rim, 27, the only visually impaired Paralympic Alpine skier in the national team.

Because she was born with retinopathy due to prematurity she can hardly identity and distinguish objects with her left eye and sees only blurred images with her right eye. Remarkably, despite her impaired vision, she majored in Korean painting at Ewha Womans University, and has earned many medals in international competitions. Her idiosyncratic and gutsy personality made me believe that she was “gifted,” yet she emphasized that is is solid passion rather than her “innate talent” that helps her overcome fear such as when she goes skiing, and activity that she enjoys.

Skiing changed her life by helping her regain a sense of balance. She insisted that disabled skiers should not be afraid of skiing at a fast speed.

“In major competitions I often see foreign competitors bringing their own equipment despite their physical disabilities. In that sense, it is vital that you do not set a bar of limitation to limit your abilities,” said Yang during an interview.

At times, even Yang with her tenacity stumbles under high pressure and rivalry. She confessed that she loses confidence when her competitors leave her behind. Nonetheless, brilliant performances by Korean Olympians reinvigorated Yang with confidence.

She recalls, “Park Sang-young (epee fencing) and Jin Jong-oh (pistol) were especially memorable. Regardless of the mistakes, I learned that believing in oneself and doing one’s best until the end will eventually bring success, in this case, victories and medals.”

True, she did not win a medal in the Sochi 2014 Paralympics, she placed 4th, but she won second place in IPC Alpine Skiing World Cup in January, 2016. Now, her next goal is to win a gold medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Paralympics. Knowing that a ruthless practice schedule lies ahead of her, she is happy to do what she needs to in order to achieve her goal.

Finally, the 2016 Rio Paralympics have begun. Compared to the Olympics, not as many people pay attention to the Paralympics, if at all. Nevertheless, I hope for the people’s interest and cheers in Rio to persist through PyeongChang. I hope for the moment when the tears and sweat of young Paralympians who strive for their dreams are compensated in the Paralympics, and I hope for Yang to achieve her life-longing dream.

Hong Sung-min is a senior at The Williston Northampton School, Massachusetts. He is the managing editor for the school newspaper, The Willistonian. He has been interested in volunteering for people with disabilities and Paralympics.