Taekwondo star dreams of becoming IOC member

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Sports

Hangzhou Asian Games

Sat, September 30, 2023 | 08:54

Taekwondo star dreams of becoming IOC member

Posted : 2023-05-31 15:51

Updated : 2023-05-31 17:12

Taekwondo coach Lee Dae-hoon poses in this photo provided by World Taekwondo. Lee, now 31, was one of Korea's most decorated taekwondo stars before his retirement following the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Courtesy of World Taekwondo

By Jung Min-ho

At a glance, Lee Dae-hoon might seem like a sports star who has everything. Before hanging up his uniform after the 2020 Tokyo Games, the 31-year-old was one of Korea's most decorated taekwondo athletes, having won more than 20 gold medals at international events.

Yet there is one blemish on his near-perfect career. He could not accomplish his long-sought dream of capturing an Olympic crown. Lee, who is now competing in the World Taekwondo (WT) Championships as a coach in Baku, Azerbaijan, believes that the experience of failure could help his new dream of representing all athletes ― not just the very best of them ― as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

"Most members of the IOC Athletes' Commission were popular and have the experience of winning an Olympic gold medal. Considering their roles, however, I think those who are able to communicate well with (all) athletes about the power and meaning of sports should serve as members," Lee said in comments sent through the WT.

"I may not have won an Olympic gold medal. But it would be meaningful if I ― a person with good sportsmanship ― represent them as its member."

Lee emphasized taekwondo's broad fan base, which he thinks would be helpful to represent the inclusive spirit of sports.

"Taekwondo has power. WT has more member countries than all but football. Taekwondo offers opportunities to win Olympic medals to many countries that would otherwise have no such opportunities," he said. "I believe the strength of taekwondo would be my strength (in a bid to become an IOC member)."

Lee is one of the six candidates competing to fill two vacant seats assigned for male athletes at WT's Athletes' Committee. For the two other seats for women, three candidates are vying.

About 900 athletes in the capital of Azerbaijan have cast their votes during the competition that runs from May 29 to June 4. The winners will be announced on June 3.

The body consists of six members in total. The two others are Jaouad Achab of Belgium and Valeria Santos of Brazil, who won the seats at WT's previous event in Guadalajara, western Mexico.

"When I was an athlete, my communication with other athletes was usually short … As I'm vying (for the seat), I try to approach them more personally for more conversations. Despite my poor English, many have responded pleasantly to my attempt," Lee said. "The seat at the WT committee is the first step to my challenge. I will do my best to produce the best results to reach my next goal of the IOC membership."

mj6c2@koreatimes.co.kr