Gangneung, Korea, January 17, 2024: Asia’s passion for winter sports will be in evidence again when the continent stages the Winter Youth Olympic Games for the first time in Korea.
The IOC’s fourth Winter YOG, Gangwon 2024, will build on the legacy of the PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games in 2018 and comes two years after Beijing hosted the Winter Olympics in 2022 during the covid pandemic.
Furthermore, Gangwon 2024 will also serve to build momentum in Asian winter sports just one year before the OCA hosts the 9th Asian Winter Games at Harbin, China in February 2025.
One of the biggest stars in winter sports, China’s Eileen Gu Ailing, first made her mark at the Winter YOG in Lausanne in 2020 and became the face of Beijing 2022 by winning two gold medals and one silver in freestyle skiing.
After being appointed Global Ambassador for Gangwon 2024, the 20-year-old Gu said: “It is an honour to be named Global Ambassador, as this event - and the values it champions - align perfectly with the message I hope to spread to young people worldwide: sport is for everyone, regardless of gender, age, ability, geographic location and religion.”
She also had some words of advice for the athletes competing in Korea.
“My best piece of advice to a young athlete coming to Gangwon 2024 is to relish the experience,” she said.
“Unlike the Olympics, the YOG only happen once in a young athlete’s career. It is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from and connect with like-minded young people who share similar experiences, values and passions who come from different backgrounds.
“Be open-minded. Listen and learn, and don't forget to enjoy yourself. I can’t wait to see all the amazing performances from the best young athletes around the globe.”
The Winter YOG Gangwon 2024 will take place from January 19 to February 1. Approximately 1,900 athletes aged from 15-18 from 81 National Olympic Committees are expected to take part.
Events will be held in four locations across the Gangwon region – Gangneung, PyeongChang, Jeongseon and Hoengseong. There will be seven sports, 15 disciplines and 81 events.
