1. Overview
Kim Ji-hoon (김지훈Korean, also known as Kim Ji-hun), born on June 27, 1985, is a prominent South Korean sailor and coach. He is widely recognized for his gold medal victory in the men's 470 event at the 2014 Asian Games held in Incheon. Kim Ji-hoon has also represented South Korea on the global stage, participating in the 2016 Summer Olympics. Beyond his competitive career, he contributes to the development of the sport through his role as a playing coach for the Incheon Metropolitan City Sports Council.
2. Early Life and Background
Kim Ji-hoon's early life laid the foundation for his future career in sailing.
2.1. Birth and Childhood
Kim Ji-hoon was born on June 27, 1985, in Busan, South Korea. Details of his childhood environment and specific family background are not widely publicized, but his birthplace, a major port city, aligns with the nautical focus of his career.
3. Sailing Career
Kim Ji-hoon's sailing career encompasses both significant international competitive success and a continuous role in domestic sports development.
3.1. Major International Competitions
Kim Ji-hoon has competed in several major international sailing events, achieving notable success. He earned a gold medal in the men's 470 class at the 2014 Asian Games, which took place in Incheon, South Korea. This victory marked a significant highlight in his competitive career. Two years later, he competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Partnering with Kim Chang-ju, he participated in the men's 470 event, where they collectively achieved a 19th-place finish among the world's top sailors. His participation in these events underscores his dedication to the sport and his representation of South Korea on the global stage.
3.2. Domestic Activities and Coaching
In addition to his international competitive pursuits, Kim Ji-hoon has actively engaged in domestic sailing. He serves as a playing coach for the Incheon Metropolitan City Sports Council. In this role, he continues to participate in domestic competitions while simultaneously mentoring and guiding emerging sailors. His involvement helps foster new talent and contributes to the ongoing growth and professionalism of sailing within South Korea.
4. Major Achievements and Awards
Kim Ji-hoon's most significant achievement in his sailing career is the gold medal he secured at the 2014 Asian Games. He won this medal in the men's 470 event, which was held in Incheon, South Korea. This victory solidified his position as one of South Korea's leading sailors in his class.
5. Personal Life
Kim Ji-hoon maintains a relatively private personal life. Publicly available information includes his physical attributes, with his height recorded as 70 in (179 cm) and his weight as 165 lb (75 kg). Further details regarding his marital status, family relationships beyond his teammate Kim Chang-ju, or personal hobbies are not widely disclosed.
6. Assessment and Legacy
Kim Ji-hoon's contributions to South Korean sailing are primarily viewed through his athletic achievements and his ongoing role in the sport's development.
6.1. Positive Impact and Contributions
Kim Ji-hoon's gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games stands as a testament to his individual athletic prowess and a significant moment for South Korean sailing. Such a high-profile victory not only brought recognition to himself but also inspired younger generations of athletes to pursue excellence in the sport. His role as a playing coach for the Incheon Metropolitan City Sports Council further highlights his commitment to the sport's development. Through his coaching, he imparts invaluable experience and knowledge to aspiring sailors, contributing to the growth of local talent and ensuring a continued legacy for South Korean sailing. His dual role as an active competitor and a mentor exemplifies a dedicated individual who strives for personal achievement while also giving back to the community that fostered his career.