[Olympics] "Second COVID Olympics, Safety First"

IOC Athlete Committee Member Yoo Seung-min Minimizes Contact with Athletes While Actively Working
Striving for a Healthy Games... Playing a Key Role as a Sports Diplomat

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes' Commission serves as a link between the IOC and active athletes. It creates an environment where athletes can perform at their best and reflects athletes' opinions in the IOC's policy-making. Yoo Seung-min, who has been active for six years this year, has encouraged athletes and contributed to the successful hosting of events such as the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Recognized for his vigorous activities, he became the first Asian sports figure to be appointed Vice Chair of the IOC Athletes' Commission in August last year.

During the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, his schedule was even tighter than that of the athletes. While minimizing the risk of COVID-19, he closely cooperated with the IOC to prepare for events such as the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics. In an interview with Asia Economy Daily on the 17th, he said, "Following last year's Tokyo Summer Games, this was the second Olympics held during the COVID-19 era," adding, "We struggled to create a safe and healthy event in collaboration with the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee, the IOC Executive Board, and National Olympic Committees."

COVID-19 control measures were stricter than those at the Tokyo Summer Olympics. A so-called 'closed loop' was implemented, isolating venues, the Olympic Village, and training facilities from the outside. Olympic personnel had to move between venues using designated vehicles according to quarantine guidelines. Yoo said, "I also minimized contact with athletes and conducted diplomatic activities while commuting between the accommodation and venues," adding, "Please support and encourage our athletes who worked harder than ever and delivered the greatest inspiration." He continued, "There are still remaining events, so it is premature to evaluate the results, but they performed very well. I am proud of our athletes."

Despite thorough quarantine management, a considerable number of athletes tested positive for COVID-19. Yoo made various efforts to support athletes in isolation facilities. To help athletes maintain optimal performance during their quarantine, he requested basic exercise equipment from the Chinese government and the Beijing Winter Olympics Organizing Committee. To help athletes relieve mental burdens and psychological pressure, a 24-hour telephone counseling program called the 'Mentally Fit Helpline' was also operated. Yoo stated, "At last year's Tokyo Summer Olympics, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 immediately upon entering Japan, so I think I understand athletes' feelings better than anyone else." He added, "Although I had no significant symptoms, I was quarantined for thirteen days at a hotel near Narita Airport," and said, "It was mentally very difficult, so I wanted to do whatever I could to alleviate the athletes' hardships."

Besides COVID-19, Yoo conveyed various grievances and opinions of athletes to the IOC. On the 15th, he also met with IOC President Thomas Bach at the IOC headquarters hotel. They explored ways to ensure all athletes can train and compete in a safe environment while promoting their rights and interests. Additionally, they exchanged various opinions to successfully host the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics, which will be held in Pyeongchang, Gangneung, Jeongseon, and Hoengseong in January 2024. Yoo said, "Following Pyeongchang, Tokyo, and Beijing, the event continues in Gangwon in Asia, which seems to create more opportunities to work for athletes," adding, "I will continue to work actively on the ground and leave various legacies so that more athletes understand the Olympic spirit and strive to challenge their dreams."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.