1. Overview
Kim Young-hee (김영희Korean; May 17, 1963 - January 31, 2023) was a prominent South Korean basketball player, widely recognized for her exceptional height of 81 in (205 cm) and her role as a center. Her career was marked by significant achievements, including a historic silver medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, which was South Korea's first team sport medal at the Olympic Games. Beyond her athletic prowess, Kim Young-hee's life was also characterized by a long and public battle with acromegaly, a condition often referred to as gigantism, which she faced with remarkable resilience. Her story became a symbol of perseverance, inspiring many in South Korea.
2. Early Life and Background
Kim Young-hee's early life in South Korea laid the foundation for her remarkable athletic career, which began with an unexpected transition from one sport to another before she found her calling in basketball.
2.1. Childhood and Education
Kim Young-hee was born on May 17, 1963, in Ulsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, as the elder of two children, with a younger brother. From an early age, her exceptional height was noticeable. She began her athletic journey as a volleyball player while attending elementary school in Busan. However, in her sixth year of elementary school, she transitioned to basketball, a sport where her height would become a significant advantage. She continued her development as a promising tall prospect during her time playing for Dongju Girls' Middle School.
2.2. Entry into Professional Play
Following her middle school career, Kim Young-hee became the subject of intense scouting competition among various basketball programs. She ultimately enrolled in Sungui Girls' High School in Seoul, a renowned institution for its basketball program. Her talent quickly earned her a spot on the South Korean women's national basketball team during her second year of high school, a position she maintained until her retirement. After graduating from Sungui Girls' High School, she joined the professional team Hankook Cosmetics.
3. Playing Career and Achievements
Kim Young-hee's professional career was distinguished by her dominant presence in domestic leagues and her significant contributions to the national team, culminating in an Olympic silver medal.
3.1. Domestic Career
Within the South Korean domestic leagues, Kim Young-hee established herself as a formidable force. She set a long-standing record for the most points scored in a single game, achieving 52 points in a match between Hankook Cosmetics and Choheung Bank on December 11, 1983. Her on-court rivalry with Park Chan-sook, the center for Pacific Chemical, was a notable highlight that captivated fans. In recognition of her outstanding performance, she was awarded the Best 5 award at the 1984 Basketball Festival.
3.2. National Team Career
As a vital member of the South Korean women's national basketball team, Kim Young-hee participated in several major international tournaments. She represented South Korea at the 1982 New Delhi Asian Games and the 1986 Seoul Asian Games, where the team secured silver medals in both competitions. Her consistent presence on the national squad underscored her importance to the team's success throughout her career.
3.3. Olympic Success
The pinnacle of Kim Young-hee's international career came at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. As a key player for the South Korean women's basketball team, she contributed to their historic achievement of winning a silver medal. This marked a significant milestone for South Korean sports, as it was the nation's first Olympic medal in a team sport. The team's performance at the Los Angeles Olympics cemented her legacy as a pioneering figure in South Korean basketball.
4. Physical Characteristics and Playing Style
Kim Young-hee's unique physical attributes were central to her identity as a basketball player, influencing both her strengths and weaknesses on the court.
4.1. Physical Attributes
Standing at an extraordinary height of 81 in (205 cm), Kim Young-hee was the officially recognized tallest woman in South Korea. This exceptional height naturally positioned her as a center, allowing her to dominate the paint and provide a significant presence under the basket. Her physical stature was a defining characteristic that set her apart from other players.
4.2. On-court Performance
Her playing style was heavily influenced by her height, which provided her with a distinct advantage in rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring close to the basket. She was a strong presence in the paint, making her a valuable asset for her teams. However, despite her dominance in certain aspects of the game, she was noted for her relatively slow speed. This particular weakness sometimes limited her effectiveness in fast-paced international competitions, where she was not always able to maintain a starting position due to the demands for quicker transitions.
5. Personal Life and Health Issues
Beyond her celebrated basketball career, Kim Young-hee's life was marked by significant personal challenges, particularly her prolonged battle with a serious illness, which she openly shared with the public.
5.1. Acromegaly and Battle with Illness
In 1987, Kim Young-hee collapsed during training, an event that led to her diagnosis with acromegaly, a hormonal disorder resulting from excessive growth hormone production, commonly known as gigantism. This diagnosis marked the beginning of a long and arduous struggle with the condition, which significantly impacted her health and daily life. The Women's Korean Basketball League (WKBL) demonstrated support for her plight by appointing her as a game commissioner starting in 2003, a role that provided some financial assistance for her ongoing medical expenses.
5.2. Public Profile and Media Appearances
Despite her health struggles, Kim Young-hee maintained a public profile, sharing her story to raise awareness and inspire others. Her experiences were featured in the KBS documentary 'Human Theater' in February 2009, which brought her personal battle to a wider audience. Later, in November 2021, her story was revisited on the YouTube channel 'Current Status Olympics', further highlighting her resilience and the challenges she faced. These appearances allowed her to connect with the public and shed light on her condition.
6. Death
Kim Young-hee's life concluded after a prolonged period of illness, leaving behind a legacy of both athletic achievement and personal fortitude.
6.1. Circumstances of Death
She passed away on January 31, 2023, at the age of 59. While her long battle with acromegaly was a significant underlying factor in her declining health, her immediate cause of death was acute respiratory failure, which occurred during her convalescence. Some reports also indicated brain cancer as a contributing factor to her passing.
7. Legacy and Honors
Kim Young-hee's impact extended beyond her playing days, leaving a lasting mark on South Korean basketball and earning her national recognition.
7.1. Awards and Honors
Throughout her career and after, Kim Young-hee received several prestigious accolades for her contributions to sports. She was awarded the Order of Sport Merit Baekmajang in 1980 and subsequently the Maenghojang in 1984, both significant honors from the South Korean government recognizing her achievements in sports.
7.2. Special Recognition
Beyond her athletic honors, Kim Young-hee held the unique distinction of being the officially recognized tallest woman in South Korea, with her height of 81 in (205 cm) being a notable aspect of her public identity. This recognition further cemented her place as a memorable and significant figure in the nation's history.