Jung Hye-lim

1.1. Birth and Background

Jung Hye-lim was born on July 1, 1987, in Busan, South Korea. Her birthplace is a major metropolitan city known for its vibrant culture and history, which likely contributed to her upbringing.

1.2. Educational Journey

She completed her secondary education at Busan Physical Education High School. This institution is renowned for nurturing athletic talent, indicating that Jung Hye-lim's formal training in sports began early in her life, preparing her for a professional career in track and field.

2.1. Early Beginnings and Development

Jung Hye-lim commenced her career as a track and field athlete in 2002. Her potential was quickly recognized, leading to her selection for the national team in 2005. That year, she represented South Korea at the 59th National Athletics Championships and also competed in the 59th Daegu International Athletics Meeting as a national representative, marking her early forays onto the international stage.

2.2. Professional Affiliation and Main Event

Jung Hye-lim is affiliated with the Gwangju Metropolitan City Hall Athletics Team. Her primary event throughout her career has been the 100 metres hurdles, where she has specialized and achieved her most notable successes.

2.3. Major Competitions and Achievements

Jung Hye-lim has competed extensively in both domestic and international arenas, earning several medals and setting personal records.

Her significant performances include:

• At the 2005 Asian Indoor Games held in Pattaya, Thailand, she finished 5th in the 60 metres hurdles with a time of 8.81 seconds.
• She participated in the 2006 World Junior Championships in Athletics in Beijing, China, where she reached the semifinals of the 100 metres hurdles, placing 17th with a time of 14.12 seconds.
• During the 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, she achieved a 4th place finish in the 100 metres hurdles, recording a time of 13.61 seconds.
• At the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, she competed in the 100 metres hurdles, finishing 9th in the heats with a time of 13.57 seconds.
• In 2011, a pivotal year, she earned a silver medal in the 100 metres hurdles at the 2011 Asian Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, with a time of 13.11 seconds. Later that year, at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics in Daegu, South Korea, she competed in both the 100 metres (40th in heats, 11.87 seconds) and 100 metres hurdles (28th in heats, 13.39 seconds).
• Jung Hye-lim represented South Korea at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, United Kingdom, competing in the 100 metres hurdles, where she placed 30th in the heats with a time of 13.48 seconds.
• She secured a bronze medal at the 2013 East Asian Games in Tianjin, China, finishing the 100 metres hurdles in 13.41 seconds.
• At the 2014 Asian Games held in Incheon, South Korea, she finished 4th in the 100 metres hurdles with a time of 13.39 seconds.
• She placed 6th in the 100 metres hurdles at the 2015 Asian Athletics Championships in Wuhan, China, recording 13.54 seconds.
• Her personal best in the 100 metres hurdles is 13.04 seconds, which she set in 2016.
• In 2017, she achieved a significant milestone by winning a gold medal in the 100 metres hurdles at the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar, India, with a time of 13.16 seconds. She also competed at the 2017 World Championships in Athletics in London, placing 34th in the 100 metres hurdles heats with 13.37 seconds.
• Her most prominent achievement came at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she clinched the gold medal in the 100 metres hurdles with a time of 13.20 seconds. The day prior, she had passed the preliminary round with the fastest time of 13.17 seconds, setting high expectations for the final, which she successfully met. She also competed in the 4 × 100 metres relay, where her team finished 11th in the heats with 46.04 seconds.
• Her most recent recorded major competition was the 2019 Asian Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, where she placed 7th in the 100 metres hurdles with a time of 13.50 seconds.

3.1. Nickname and Public Perception

In her home country, Jung Hye-lim gained public attention not only for her athletic prowess but also for her appearance, leading to the nickname "the eoljjang hurdler." The term "eoljjang" (얼짱^Korean) is a popular Korean neologism referring to someone with a visually appealing face. This nickname reflects a perception among the South Korean public that she possesses both exceptional athletic talent and a pleasing public image.

4.1. Contributions to Korean Athletics

Jung Hye-lim's nearly two-decade-long career, which began in 2002, demonstrates remarkable longevity and dedication to her sport. Her consistent participation and medal wins, particularly the gold medals at the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships and the 2018 Asian Games, have significantly elevated the profile of the hurdles event in South Korea. By performing at the highest level and achieving international success, she has inspired aspiring young athletes and contributed to the popularization and development of track and field, especially the hurdles, within the country. Her achievements serve as a testament to diligent training and perseverance, providing a positive example for future generations of Korean athletes.