Paris, France – South Korean athletes are making their mark at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with two climbers, Shin Eun-chul and Seo Chae-hyun, taking on the challenging sport of climbing in their respective categories.
Shin Eun-chul’s Speed Climbing Debut
In the men’s speed climbing qualification round, Shin Eun-chul represented South Korea as the first male athlete from the country to compete in this event at the Olympics. The speed climbing event is a thrilling but technical discipline, with matches lasting only 5 to 6 seconds. Shin faced a challenging opponent, Wu Peng from China, and unfortunately lost his match due to a significant slip. Despite not advancing to the quarterfinals, Shin maintained a positive attitude, and his first Olympic experience garnered attention, with over 1.4 million viewers tuning in to watch. Acclaimed climber and commentator, Kim Ja-in, praised Shin’s efforts, acknowledging the dedication and process behind his Olympic journey.
Seo Chae-hyun’s Bouldering and Lead Climbing Performance
Meanwhile, in the women’s combined bouldering semi-final, Seo Chae-hyun represented South Korea. The combined event consists of two disciplines, bouldering, and lead climbing, with the final scores being a sum of the performances in both. In bouldering, athletes tackle a 4.5-meter-high wall with artificial structures, aiming to pass through within a set time. Seo displayed improvement since the Tokyo Olympics, completing some problems and showcasing her problem-solving skills, flexibility, and strength. She scored 44.2 points, placing 13th, and now looks to her primary discipline, lead climbing, for a chance to move up the rankings.
Seo Chae-hyun has been a rising star in the climbing world since her senior debut at the 2019 IFSC World Cup Series, where she won four gold medals in lead climbing at just 15 years old. She aims to build on her previous success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with a particular focus on achieving her first Olympic medal.
The Paris Olympics is a significant stage for South Korean climbers, with Shin and Seo both aiming to leave their mark on the sport. With their dedication and improving performances, they have the potential to inspire a new generation of climbers in South Korea and beyond.
