The wait is slowly coming to an end. The 22nd Winter Olympiad, which will be held in Sochi, Russia, is only about a month away. As athletes prepare for their particular competitions, many Korean American viewers are getting excited to watch these events filled with laughter, tears and excitement.
Many people are anxious for the coming Winter Games. In an interview with JSR, Immaculate Heart senior Sharon Gi commented, “The wait has been so long! I am very excited for the Olympics because the talented Korean athletes will make their appearances at Russia.”
Well-known South Korean Olympians who will be competing include 2010 Figure Skating Champion Kim Yuna and Short Track speed skaters Park Sae-young and Park Seung-hee. In addition, the South Korean Curling team has qualified to head to Sochi.
Grace Park, another Immaculate Heart senior, told JSR that she’s “never seen the South Korean Curling team compete before.” Despite this, she said she is “looking forward to watching the talented women win gold!”
Korean Americans are even more excited to hear that former member US Ski Team member Toby Dawson is now coaching the South Korean Ski team. Dawson, a Korean who was adopted by American ski instructors when he was three years old, started to ski at the age of four and began skiing freestyle at the age of 12. He is now honored in the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame for his accomplishment, which include winning a bronze medal in the 2006 Winter Games. Dawson was reunited with his biological family in Korea after his Olympic triumph, and he was an instrumental figure in the successful campaign to bring the 2018 Winter Games to Pyeongchang.
According to Immaculate Heart junior Erica Kim, “Knowing about Toby Dawson’s background story, I was always inspired by his performances in the past Games. I am even more excited to see his return as the coach!”
While many are excited for the returning, world-renowned Korean Olympians, others are excited to just experience a month filled with national pride.
Kee Chul Bong, another student, said, “I most enjoy the time I am able to spend with my family, all cheering in front of the television screen.”
