1. Overview
Kong Ja-young (공자영Korean) is a prominent South Korean judoka who achieved significant international success before transitioning into a career in public service as a police officer. Born in Seoul, she developed into a competitive athlete, representing her country in various major international competitions including the Asian Games and the Olympic Games. Her post-retirement career marks a shift to contributing to society through law enforcement, highlighting her dedication to public service. This article covers her life, athletic achievements, and subsequent contributions as a policewoman.
2. Biography
Kong Ja-young's personal background includes her early life in Seoul and her academic pursuit at Yong In University, which laid the foundation for both her athletic and professional careers.
2.1. Early Life
Kong Ja-young was born on 30 July 1985, in Seoul, South Korea. She later grew to a height of 5.4 ft (1.65 m) and competed at a weight of approximately 143 lb (65 kg).
2.2. Education
Kong Ja-young is a graduate of Yong In University, a notable institution in South Korea recognized for its strong programs in martial arts, including judo.
3. Judo Career
Kong Ja-young had a distinguished professional career as a judoka, marked by her consistent participation in national and international events, particularly in the -139 lb (63 kg) weight class. During her career, she was associated with the Pohang City Hall club.
3.1. National Team Activities
Kong Ja-young was a dedicated member of the South Korean national judo team for several years, representing her country in major international competitions.
- In 2006, she was a member of the South Korean women's judo national team for the 15th Asian Games held in Doha, Qatar.
- In 2007, she represented South Korea at the Asian Judo Championships.
- In 2008, she was selected as a member of the South Korean women's judo national team for the 29th Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.
- In 2010, she once again represented South Korea as a member of the national women's judo team for the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
3.2. Major Competition Results
Throughout her judo career, Kong Ja-young secured several notable achievements and medals in various key international and national tournaments:
- In 2006, at the 15th Asian Games in Doha, she earned a silver medal in the women's -139 lb (63 kg) category.
- In 2007, she achieved first place in the women's -139 lb (63 kg) category at the National Men's and Women's Weight Class Judo Championships in South Korea. That same year, she placed 7th at the World Championships.
- In 2008, she secured a silver medal at the Asian Judo Championships held in Jeju, South Korea, in the -139 lb (63 kg) division. Later that year, she competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where she finished in 9th place in the women's -139 lb (63 kg) event.
- In 2009, she won first place in the women's -139 lb (63 kg) category at the Chairman's Cup National Judo Competition.
- In 2010, at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, she earned a bronze medal in the women's -139 lb (63 kg) category. In the same year, she also won a silver medal at the Judo World Masters event held in Suwon, South Korea, competing in the -139 lb (63 kg) class.
- In 2011, Kong Ja-young continued to compete at an elite level, participating in the World Judo Championships in the women's -139 lb (63 kg) division.
4. Post-Retirement Career
After concluding her successful athletic career, Kong Ja-young transitioned into a new chapter of public service, dedicating herself to law enforcement.
4.1. As a Policewoman
As of 2016, Kong Ja-young embarked on a career as a policewoman. She serves within the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, specifically performing her duties in the Gangseo District of Seoul. This transition reflects her commitment to serving the community beyond the realm of sports.
5. Assessment
Kong Ja-young's career trajectory, from a decorated judoka to a public servant, underscores her multifaceted contributions both within the sports arena and to South Korean society.
5.1. Impact on Judo
Kong Ja-young's achievements as a judoka, particularly her medals at the Asian Games and her participation in the Olympic Games, solidified her status as a prominent female athlete in South Korea. Her success helped raise the profile of judo in the country, inspiring aspiring athletes and contributing to the sport's visibility and development within South Korea. Her career demonstrated the potential for excellence in women's judo, leaving a legacy as one of the notable figures in the sport.