1. Overview
Kim Seon-young (김선영Kim Seon-yeongKorean) is a former South Korean judoka who achieved significant success in the sport, most notably winning a bronze medal in the women's +78 kg category at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Following her competitive career, she transitioned into public service, becoming a police officer in 2004.
2. Personal Background
Kim Seon-young's personal details include her birth and early life, as well as her physical attributes that were relevant to her career as a judoka.
2.1. Birth and Early Life
Kim Seon-young was born on February 23, 1979, in South Korea. Her formative years laid the foundation for her future in competitive judo.
2.2. Physical Characteristics
As a judoka competing in the heavyweight categories, Kim Seon-young possessed notable physical characteristics. She stands at 68 in (173 cm) tall and weighed 205 lb (93 kg) during her competitive career. These attributes were crucial for her performance in the +78 kg and Open weight classes.
3. Judo Career
Kim Seon-young's professional journey as a judoka spanned several years, marked by her participation and achievements in various international competitions, culminating in an Olympic medal.
3.1. Debut and Early Career
Kim Seon-young began her international judo career in the mid-1990s. One of her early notable performances was at the 1995 World Cup Miami (also known as the US International), where she secured a third-place finish in the +72 kg category and won the gold medal in the Open weight class. This early success demonstrated her potential in the sport's heaviest divisions.
3.2. Weight Class
Throughout her career, Kim Seon-young primarily competed in the women's heavyweight divisions. Her main weight category was the +78 kg class. She also frequently participated in the Open weight category, which has no upper weight limit, showcasing her versatility and strength against a wide range of opponents.
3.3. Major Competitions and Results
Kim Seon-young's career was highlighted by consistent performances and medal wins at prestigious international judo tournaments, including the Asian Judo Championships and the Olympic Games.
3.3.1. Asian Judo Championships
Kim Seon-young was a consistent medalist at the Asian Judo Championships.
- In 1996, she earned a bronze medal in the Open weight category at the championships held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- She continued her success in 1999, securing a silver medal in the +78 kg category at the event in Wenzhou, China.
- Her strong performance continued into 2000, where she again won a silver medal in the +78 kg class at the championships held in Osaka, Japan. This particular achievement was crucial as it secured a qualification spot for South Korea in the +78 kg category for the upcoming 2000 Summer Olympics, a spot that had not been secured at the previous year's World Championships.
3.3.2. Olympic Participation
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Kim Seon-young's most significant achievement came at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Competing in the women's +78 kg event, she faced a challenging path. In her opening match, she was defeated by Dayma Beltrán of Cuba by an Ippon (combined technique). Despite this initial setback, she advanced through the repechage rounds. In the bronze medal match, she faced Sandra Köppen of Germany, whom she defeated by a decision (Hantei) to claim the bronze medal, marking a career highlight and a significant achievement for South Korean judo.
3.3.3. Other International Competitions
Beyond the major championships, Kim Seon-young also competed in numerous other international events, achieving notable results:
- In 2000, she placed fifth at the French International and earned a silver medal at the Austrian International. She also secured a bronze medal at the Fukuoka International in Japan.
- In 2001, she continued to perform well, taking third place at the Hungarian International and the Grand Prix Seville. She also won a silver medal at the Korean International.
4. Post-Retirement Activities
After concluding her distinguished career as a competitive judoka, Kim Seon-young embarked on a new professional path in public service.
4.1. Career as a Police Officer
In 2004, Kim Seon-young transitioned from the judo mat to a career in law enforcement. She joined the police force, where she has been serving as a police officer since her retirement from competitive sports. This career change highlights her continued dedication to public service and discipline.
5. Assessment and Impact
Kim Seon-young's career as a judoka and her subsequent role as a police officer have left a notable impact both within the sporting world and in society.
5.1. Sporting Evaluation
Kim Seon-young is recognized as a formidable judoka, particularly in the heavyweight divisions. Her technical skills and physical prowess allowed her to consistently compete at the highest international levels. Her ability to secure a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, especially after a challenging initial loss, demonstrates her resilience and competitive spirit. Furthermore, her consistent medal finishes at the Asian Championships, including securing an Olympic berth for her country, underscore her importance to South Korean judo during her active years.
5.2. Social Impact
Beyond her athletic achievements, Kim Seon-young serves as a role model. Her transition from an Olympic medalist to a police officer exemplifies dedication and a commitment to public service. She stands as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, particularly women in sports, showing that success in one field can lead to meaningful contributions in another, reinforcing the values of discipline and service.