Inbee Park, 35, the “Empress of Golf,” has thrown down the gauntlet to become an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athlete Commissioner. Introducing herself in fluent English, Park said, “Golf is a global, worldwide sport. Just like NBA star Pau Gasol (Spain) was selected as an Athletes’ Commissioner at the Tokyo Olympics, I am confident,” Park said.
Park participated in the IOC’s Athlete Evaluation Commission on Tuesday at the Korea Olympic Committee meeting room at the Olympic Parktel in Songpa-gu, Seoul. The evaluation is held behind closed doors.
IOC Athlete Commissioners are “sports diplomats” who serve as a bridge between the IOC and athletes. The current IOC Athlete Commissioner for South Korea is Yoo Seung-min (President of the Korea Table Tennis Association). His term will run until the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Korean Sports Federation invited nominations for IOC Athletes’ Commissioners from each sporting organization over the past four days, and a total of six candidates submitted their applications.
In addition to Park, Kim Yeon-kyung (35-volleyball), Kim So-young (31-badminton), Oh Jin-hyuk (42-archery), Lee Dae-hoon (31-taekwondo) and Jin Jong-oh (44-shooting) are vying for the IOC seat.
Park, who won a gold medal in golf at the 2016 Rio Olympics, defied expectations by throwing her hat in the ring.
“I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, but because of my personality, I’ve been quietly preparing and studying,” she said. “Part of the reason I competed in the Rio and Tokyo Olympics was because I had the Athletes’ Commission in mind. I had a lot to study, so I prepared calmly.”
“I ran for the Athletes’ Commission to contribute to the development of Korean sports,” Park said, “and to spread the Olympic spirit around the world.”
One of Park’s strengths as a longtime member of the U.S. Women’s Professional Golf (LPGA) Tour is her fluency in English.
“It’s an honor to be here,” she said in fluent English when asked by reporters to introduce herself, “and I’m confident that I’m the right person for the IOC.”
It’s been a long time since he’s been in front of the media, having given birth in April. “I gave birth in April and I can’t remember the last time I wore a suit,” Park laughed, adding, “I’m more nervous than usual because it’s been a long time since I’ve had a social activity.” 메이저사이트
Park shook her head at the suggestion that the nature of the sport makes it difficult to garner support from other players in the main draw.
“Golf is played in 227 countries around the world. It’s a very popular sport,” she said. “Everyone here says, ‘Have you ever played golf’ as a greeting. It’s a very popular sport,” she reiterated.
Citing the example of basketball player Gasol, who was elected to the IOC Athletes’ Commission at the Tokyo Olympics, he said, “I think it’s a good thing that popular sports have a lot to offer.”
It was also pointed out that Park In-bee’s introverted personality might be a disadvantage in the general election.
Park replied, “I’ve always shown my game. In the nature of golf, you always have to be quiet and focused, but when I personally have a goal, I’m relentless,” Park explained.
“I heard that Yoo Seung-min ran 450 kilometers (in Rio) and lost 5 kilograms,” he said, adding with a smile, “I will run 500 kilometers on my feet and aim to lose 10 kilograms.”