1. Overview
Kim Ji-soo (김지수Kim Ji-suKorean; born July 22, 1994) is a prominent South Korean skeleton racer known for his significant achievements in international competitions. He has consistently represented South Korea on the global stage, notably at the Winter Olympic Games, IBSF World Championships, and the Skeleton World Cup series. His career is highlighted by his impressive 6th-place finish at the 2018 Winter Olympics held in Pyeongchang, a landmark achievement for South Korean skeleton. Kim Ji-soo embodies dedication and ambition, aiming to continue pushing the boundaries of the sport for his country.
2. Life and Background
Kim Ji-soo was born on July 22, 1994, in South Korea. From an early age, he developed an interest in winter sports, eventually dedicating himself to skeleton. His journey in the sport began with rigorous training, focusing on mastering the demanding technical aspects of skeleton racing. His commitment and talent quickly became apparent, leading him to represent South Korea in various national and international events.
3. Competitive Highlights
Kim Ji-soo has competed in numerous major international skeleton competitions, consistently demonstrating his skill and competitive spirit. His career includes multiple appearances at the Winter Olympic Games, IBSF World Championships, and the Skeleton World Cup, where he has achieved notable rankings and results.
3.1. Olympic Games
Kim Ji-soo made his Olympic debut at the 2018 Winter Olympics held in Pyeongchang, South Korea. He delivered a remarkable performance in the men's skeleton event, securing a 6th-place finish. This achievement was particularly significant for South Korean skeleton, showcasing the nation's growing presence in the sport.
| Event | Men's Skeleton |
|---|---|
| Representing South Korea | |
| 2018 PyeongChang | 6th |
3.2. World Championships
Kim Ji-soo has participated in multiple IBSF World Championships, consistently improving his performance and ranking among the world's elite skeleton racers. His best result at the World Championships to date is an 8th-place finish.
| Event | Men's Skeleton |
|---|---|
| Representing South Korea | |
| 2019 Whistler, Canada | 14th |
| 2020 Altenberg, Germany | 12th |
| 2021 Altenberg, Germany | 24th |
| 2023 St.Moritz, Switzerland | 8th |
3.3. World Cup
Kim Ji-soo has been a regular competitor in the Skeleton World Cup series, accumulating points and improving his overall seasonal standings. His performances in the World Cup demonstrate his consistency and development as an athlete. He achieved his highest overall ranking of 6th in the 2022-23 season.
| Season | Place | Points | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | 37th | 96 | SIG (-) | WIN (-) | ALT (-) | IGL (-) | STM (-) | LPL (-) | CGR1 (-) | CGR2 (15) |
| 2019-20 | 9th | 1126 | LPL1 (16) | LPL2 (10) | WIN (6) | LPG (6) | IGL (5) | KON (12) | STM (8) | SIG (21) |
| 2020-21 | 20th | 392 | SIG1 (-) | SIG2 (-) | IGL1 (-) | IGL2 (-) | WIN (-) | STM (-) | KON (13) | IGL3 (12) |
| 2021-22 | 13th | 904 | IGL1 (9) | IGL2 (14) | ALT1 (16) | WIN1 (14) | ALT2 (17) | SIG (13) | WIN2 (14) | STM (14) |
| 2022-23 | 6th | 1312 | WHI (11) | PCT (5) | LPL (7) | WIN (5) | ALT1 (7) | ALT2 (11) | IGL (6) | SIG (8) |
4. Assessment and Legacy
Kim Ji-soo's career has been marked by consistent dedication and a progressive rise in the challenging sport of skeleton. His 6th-place finish at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics not only showcased his individual prowess but also significantly raised the profile of skeleton within South Korea. This achievement contributed to inspiring a new generation of winter sports athletes in a nation primarily known for speed skating and figure skating.
Following his notable performance in PyeongChang, Kim Ji-soo openly expressed his ambition for future Olympic Games, particularly aiming for a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics (though he did not participate in 2022). This forward-looking mindset highlights his ongoing commitment to excellence and his desire to bring further glory to South Korean skeleton. His continued participation and strong finishes in World Cup events and World Championships solidify his standing as one of South Korea's most important figures in the sport, contributing to its development and visibility on the international stage. Kim Ji-soo's legacy is defined by his competitive spirit, his role in elevating South Korean skeleton, and his persistent pursuit of higher athletic achievements.
5. External links
- [http://www.ibsf.org/en/athletes/athlete/262970 Kim Ji-soo] at the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation