1. Overview
Kwak Jung-hye (곽정혜Gwak JeonghyeKorean; Hanja: 郭貞惠Korean; born November 19, 1986) is a prominent South Korean sports shooter who has represented her nation in multiple international competitions, including two Summer Olympics. Other romanizations include McCune-Reischauer: 곽정혜Kwak ChŏnghyeKorean and Yale: 곽정혜Kwak CenghyeyKorean. Born in Jeju City, she stands at 5.4 ft (1.64 m) tall and weighs 141 lb (64 kg). She has established herself as a skilled competitor in air pistol events, earning medals at both the ISSF World Shooting Championships and the Asian Shooting Championships. Her career highlights include participating in the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics, underscoring her consistent presence at the pinnacle of international shooting sports.
2. Early life and education
Kwak Jung-hye's formative years were spent in Jeju Province, where she completed her primary and secondary education before pursuing higher studies.
2.1. Birth and childhood
Kwak Jung-hye was born on November 19, 1986, in Jeju City, Jeju Province, South Korea. Her birthplace was specifically in Jocheon-eup, which at the time was part of Bukjeju County.
2.2. Education
Kwak Jung-hye attended several schools in Jeju during her early life. She received her elementary education at Jocheon Elementary School Sinheung Branch School. For her middle school years, she attended Hamdeok Middle School. She then continued her studies at Hamdeok Information Industry High School (a branch of Hamdeok High School). Following her high school graduation, she pursued higher education and graduated from Ulsan College.
3. Sporting career
Kwak Jung-hye embarked on a distinguished career in sports shooting, progressing through various levels of competition to reach elite international events.
3.1. Early career
Kwak Jung-hye began her journey in sports shooting, steadily developing her skills and participating in early competitions that prepared her for the demands of the professional circuit. Her dedication led her to become a key figure in South Korean shooting, eventually earning her a place on the national team for major international events.
3.2. Major competitions and achievements
Throughout her career, Kwak Jung-hye has competed in several prestigious international events, securing notable achievements and medals.
3.2.1. Olympic participation
Kwak Jung-hye has made two appearances at the Summer Olympics, representing South Korea in the women's 10 metre air pistol event. She first competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She later returned to the Olympic stage for the 2020 Summer Olympics, which were held in Tokyo, Japan.
3.2.2. International championships
Beyond the Olympics, Kwak Jung-hye has achieved success at other major international shooting championships. At the 2012 Asian Shooting Championships held in Doha, Qatar, she earned a bronze medal as part of the 10 metre air pistol team. Her most significant medal haul came at the 2018 ISSF World Shooting Championships hosted in Changwon, South Korea, where she secured two silver medals. These medals were won in team events: the 10 metre team air pistol and the 25 metre team pistol competitions.