1. Personal Life and Background
Joo Young-dae's early life and the circumstances surrounding his disability shaped his path toward a distinguished athletic career.
1.1. Childhood and Disability
Joo Young-dae was born on January 15, 1973, in Geumjin-ri, Seopo-myeon, Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. In 1992, during his sophomore year at Gyeongsang National University, he was involved in a traffic accident that resulted in a physical disability. Following this life-altering event, he began playing table tennis in 2008 as part of his rehabilitation process, which eventually led to his professional career in the sport.
1.2. Education
Joo Young-dae completed his secondary education at Sacheon High School. He then pursued higher education at Gyeongsang National University, where he majored in Physical Education.
2. Table Tennis Career
Joo Young-dae's career as a para table tennis player is marked by consistent performance and numerous international and domestic accolades. Standing at 69 in (174 cm) and weighing 146 lb (66 kg), he plays with a right-handed shakehand grip and competes in Class 1. His highest world ranking has been number one, achieved in July 2017.
2.1. Beginning as a Player
Joo Young-dae started playing table tennis in 2008 as a part of his rehabilitation after his accident. He is coached by Choi Kyoung-sik. This initial engagement with the sport quickly evolved into a competitive pursuit, laying the foundation for his future successes.
2.2. Major International Competition Achievements
Joo Young-dae has achieved considerable success on the international stage, securing medals at the most prestigious para table tennis tournaments.
2.2.1. 2014 Incheon Asian Para Games
Joo Young-dae was selected for the national team to compete in the 2014 Asian Para Games held in Incheon, South Korea. He won a gold medal in the men's singles (C1) event, demonstrating his early prowess. He also secured a silver medal in the team event.
2.2.2. 2015 Slovakia Open
In May 2015, Joo Young-dae participated in the Slovakia Open. He earned a silver medal in the singles (C1) category and a gold medal in the team (C1) event, further solidifying his standing in the international circuit.
2.2.3. 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympics
Joo Young-dae competed at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He advanced to the final in the men's singles (C1) event but was defeated by Great Britain's David Love with a set score of 1-3, earning a silver medal. In the team event (C1-2), he partnered with Cha Su-yong and Kim Gyeong-muk. They reached the final but lost to France 1-2, securing another silver medal.
2.2.4. 2017 Asian Para Table Tennis Championships
At the 2017 Asian Para Table Tennis Championships held in Beijing, China, Joo Young-dae had a dominant performance. He claimed gold medals in both the singles (C1) and the team (C1-2) categories. He also won gold medals in both singles (C1) and teams (C1-2) at the 2019 Taichung Asian Para Table Tennis Championships.
2.2.5. 2018 World Para Table Tennis Championships
Joo Young-dae continued his strong performance by winning a silver medal in the Singles C1 category at the 2018 World Para Table Tennis Championships held in Lasko, Slovenia.
2.2.6. 2018 Activities
In 2018, the Gyeongnam Provincial Sports Council established a table tennis team. Joo Young-dae left the Busan Para Table Tennis Association to join the Gyeongnam Provincial Sports Council team, returning to his home province of South Gyeongsang Province.
2.2.7. 2019 Tournament Participation
Joo Young-dae participated in several tournaments in 2019, both domestically and internationally. From April 5 to 7, he competed in the Korean Table Tennis Association President's Cup National Para Table Tennis Tournament in Ulsan, where he won a gold medal in the singles (C1) division. Later, from April 26 to 28, he earned a bronze medal at the Bucheon Mayor's Cup Para Table Tennis Tournament.
Internationally, he competed in the Slovenia Open, securing a gold medal in singles (C1) and a silver medal in the team event. In August, he participated in the Bangkok Open in Bangkok, Thailand, where he won a gold medal in singles and a silver medal in the team event.
2.2.8. 2020 Tokyo Paralympics
The 2020 Summer Paralympics, postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Joo Young-dae achieve a significant milestone in his career. He reached the final of the men's singles (C1) event, facing fellow South Korean player Kim Hyeon-uk. Joo Young-dae emerged victorious with a set score of 3-1, earning his first Paralympic gold medal. This event was particularly notable as all three medals in the C1 singles category were won by South Korean athletes, with Nam Ki-won securing the bronze medal.
2.3. Domestic Competition Participation
Beyond his international achievements, Joo Young-dae has also been an active participant and medalist in various national tournaments within South Korea. These include events such as the Korean Table Tennis Association President's Cup and the Bucheon Mayor's Cup Para Table Tennis Tournament, where he has consistently demonstrated his skill and competitive spirit. In December 2014, he was recognized for his achievements and awarded the Excellent Player Award at the Sacheon People's Night event.
3. Classification System in Para Table Tennis
In para table tennis, athletes are classified into different categories based on the degree of their physical impairment to ensure fair competition. The classification system ranges from Class 1 (C1) to Class 11 (C11).
Classes 1 to 5 are designated for athletes who compete in a wheelchair, while Classes 6 to 10 are for those who compete standing. Class 11 is specifically for athletes with an intellectual impairment. Within the wheelchair classes, Class 1 represents the most severe impairment, meaning athletes in this class have the highest degree of physical disability affecting their ability to play table tennis. As Joo Young-dae competes in Class 1, it signifies that he has a significant impairment, making his achievements even more remarkable. The Paralympic Games typically use the "C" (Class) designation for these categories.
4. Legacy and Impact
Joo Young-dae's career has left a significant mark on the world of para table tennis and disability sports in South Korea. His consistent success, particularly his multiple Paralympic medals and his historic gold at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, highlights his exceptional talent and dedication. His journey, from overcoming a severe disability through rehabilitation to becoming a world-class athlete, serves as a powerful source of inspiration. He embodies resilience and perseverance, demonstrating that physical limitations do not define one's potential. As a prominent figure in South Korean para sports, Joo Young-dae has elevated the profile of para table tennis and continues to inspire aspiring athletes with disabilities, contributing to a more inclusive sporting environment.