Lausanne, Switzerland, November 27, 2023: Seventeen Olympic champions, Olympic medallists and Olympians have been announced as Athlete Role Models (ARMs) for the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Gangwon 2024. They will support, advise and inspire the young athletes taking part.
The ARMs will act as mentors for those competing in Gangwon, sharing the experience and knowledge they have gained from their own Olympic careers. The ARMs will be on hand in Gangwon to support the young athletes during training and competitions, and in the Youth Olympic Village during a series of educational activities and workshops.
The 17 include Won Yun-jong (KOR, bobsleigh), Kim Chang-min (KOR, curling), Min Yu-ra (KOR, figure skating), Nao Kodaira (JPN, speed skating) and Han Da Som (KOR, cross-country skiing).
Speaking about his selection as an ARM, Korean bobsledder Won Yun-jong – who won a silver medal in the four-man event at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 – revealed his excitement at being able to help the young athletes in Gangwon.
“It’s a huge honour,” he said. “I won silver in the four-man bobsleigh at PyeongChang 2018, and Gangwon 2024 will be held in the same country, so it will be a special experience for me. I cannot wait to share my advice with the younger generation.”
The ARMs, in coordination with each International Federation, will host Inside Sport Sessions, providing an opportunity for the young athletes to dive deeper into their sport with tailored Q&A sessions, sports demonstrations and even fireside chats depending on the sport.
The Winter YOG Gangwon 2024 will take place from 19 January to 1 February 2024, with approximately 1,900 athletes from 81 National Olympic Committees expected to take part.
Events will be held in four locations across the Gangwon region – Gangneung, PyeongChang, Jeongseon and Hoengseong – and will build upon the legacy of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 by using some of the same facilities.