1. Early Life
Kim Mi-jung was born on August 1, 1978, in South Korea. She is known by her Hanja name, 金美貞Geum Mi-jeongKorean. Details regarding her early childhood and upbringing before her involvement in judo are not widely documented.
2. Judo Career
Kim Mi-jung developed her skills as a judo athlete, dedicating herself to the sport which led to her professional career. She competed primarily in the middleweight class, demonstrating her abilities on both national and international stages. Her competitive measurements during her career were approximately 66 in (168 cm) in height and 154 lb (70 kg) in weight.
2.1. Early Career and Training
While specific details about Kim Mi-jung's initial entry into judo and her foundational training are limited, her eventual participation in elite competitions indicates a dedicated period of skill development and rigorous preparation. Athletes at her level typically undergo extensive training regimens focused on technique, strength, and strategic approaches to judo.
2.2. Olympic Participation
Kim Mi-jung represented South Korea at the 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens, Greece. She competed in the middleweight division. Her Olympic journey concluded in the first round when she faced and was defeated by Belgian judoka Catherine Jacques. Despite this early exit, her qualification for the Olympic Games was a notable achievement in her career.
2.3. Other Major Competitions
Throughout her career, Kim Mi-jung participated in various judo tournaments beyond the Olympics. These competitions, both national and international, are integral to a judoka's career, providing opportunities to gain experience, refine techniques, and compete against a diverse range of opponents. While specific results from these events are not detailed, her consistent engagement in the sport shaped her progression as an athlete.
2.4. Retirement
Kim Mi-jung concluded her professional judo career as a retired athlete. The decision to retire typically follows years of intense competition and training, often marking a transition from active competition to other roles within or outside the sports community.
3. Distinction from Kim Mi-jung (born 1971)
It is important to distinguish Kim Mi-jung (born 1978) from another prominent South Korean judoka with the exact same Hangeul name, Kim Mi-jung, who was born in 1971. The elder Kim Mi-jung is notably a gold medalist from the half-heavyweight category at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Despite sharing a name, they are different individuals with distinct careers and Olympic appearances.
4. Assessment and Legacy
Kim Mi-jung's career as a judoka is characterized by her dedication to the sport and her participation in the highest level of international competition, including the Olympic Games. As an Olympian, she represents a segment of South Korean athletes who strive for excellence on the world stage. Her legacy is primarily defined by her athletic endeavors and her representation of her country in judo.