1. Overview
Park Jin-ho, born on June 9, 1977, is a prominent South Korean Paralympic sport shooter. He is widely recognized for his remarkable achievements in national and international competitions, including multiple medals at the Asian Para Games and Paralympic Games. Often dubbed "Jinho Park of Paralympic Shooting" (장애인 사격의 진종오Korean), a comparison to the renowned Olympic shooter Jin Jong-oh, Park Jin-ho's career exemplifies resilience and dedication. His journey, marked by overcoming a spinal cord injury, has made him an inspiring figure in para-sports, promoting social inclusion and demonstrating the power of sport in rehabilitation and personal achievement. He notably became the first South Korean athlete to win two gold medals at a single Paralympic Games during the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
2. Life
Park Jin-ho's personal journey is characterized by a significant life-altering event that led him to discover his passion and talent in shooting, transforming his life and career trajectory.
2.1. Birth and Background
Park Jin-ho was born on June 9, 1977, in Cheongju, South Korea. Details about his early family life and upbringing are not extensively documented, but his later career would see him become affiliated with sports organizations in his home region.
2.2. Education
Park Jin-ho pursued his academic interests in sports, graduating from Suwon University with a degree in physical education. This educational background provided him with a foundational understanding of sports and human physiology, which would later prove beneficial in his athletic career.
2.3. Disability and Entry into Shooting
A pivotal moment in Park Jin-ho's life occurred in 2002, at the age of 25, when he sustained a spinal cord injury due to a fall, resulting in paralysis of his lower body. During his rehabilitation, he was introduced to the sport of shooting. Both his doctor and his elder sister, Park Kyung-mi, encouraged him to take up the sport as part of his recovery process. He began shooting without a formal affiliation in 2005, receiving assistance from Jeong Jin-wan, a fellow Paralympic gold medalist. This introduction marked the beginning of his distinguished career in para-shooting.
3. Athlete Career
Park Jin-ho's career as a Paralympic sport shooter is marked by consistent performance and significant medal achievements across various major international competitions.
3.1. Early Career and Affiliations
Following his introduction to shooting in 2005, Park Jin-ho's talent quickly became apparent. In 2006, he officially joined the Cheongju City Hall sports club, marking his formal entry into competitive para-shooting. After many years representing Cheongju, he later transferred his affiliation to Gangneung City Hall in 2024, continuing his professional career with a new team.
3.2. Asian Para Games
Park Jin-ho has been a prominent figure at multiple editions of the Asian Para Games, consistently securing medals and demonstrating his prowess in the sport. His first international competition was the 2010 Asian Para Games held in Guangzhou, China, where he earned a silver medal in the R1 men's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event. At the 2014 Asian Para Games in Incheon, South Korea, he achieved remarkable success, securing three gold medals and two silver medals. His participation continued at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, where he narrowly missed gold, winning a silver medal in the R1 men's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event by a margin of just 0.1 point.
3.3. Paralympic Games
Park Jin-ho's journey through the Paralympic Games showcases his progression as a world-class shooter, culminating in multiple medal wins.
3.3.1. 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympics
Park Jin-ho participated in the 2016 Summer Paralympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During these Games, he achieved his best performance up to that point, securing a 4th place finish in one of his events, demonstrating his growing competitiveness on the global stage.
3.3.2. 2020 Tokyo Paralympics
At the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan, Park Jin-ho achieved his first Paralympic medals. He secured a silver medal in the R3 mixed 10m air rifle prone SH1 event. Additionally, he earned a bronze medal in the R1 men's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, marking a significant milestone in his Paralympic career.
3.3.3. 2024 Paris Paralympics
The 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, France, represented a historic achievement for Park Jin-ho. He won his first Paralympic gold medal in the R1 men's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event. Following this, he secured a second gold medal in the R7 men's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event, where he set a new Paralympic record with a score of 454.6 points in the final. This remarkable accomplishment made him the first South Korean athlete to win two gold medals at a single Paralympic Games, solidifying his legacy in the sport.
4. Personal Life
Park Jin-ho's personal life is deeply intertwined with his athletic journey, particularly through his relationship with his wife, Yang Yeon-ju, who also became a para-shooter. Yang Yeon-ju sustained a spinal cord injury in an accident in 2003, leading to lower body paralysis. She met Park Jin-ho at the hospital during their respective rehabilitations. They began dating in 2004 and married in 2005. Inspired by Park Jin-ho, Yang Yeon-ju also embarked on a career as a para-shooting athlete in 2018, reflecting their shared experiences and mutual support in both life and sport.
5. Evaluation and Impact
Park Jin-ho is widely regarded as a leading figure in South Korean para-shooting. His consistent performance and numerous medal wins, particularly his historic double gold at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, have earned him the moniker "Jinho Park of Paralympic Shooting" (장애인 사격의 진종오Korean), drawing a parallel to the legendary Olympic shooter Jin Jong-oh. This nickname underscores his dominant presence and significant contributions to the sport. Beyond his athletic achievements, Park Jin-ho's journey from overcoming a severe injury to becoming a multiple Paralympic gold medalist serves as a powerful source of inspiration. His success highlights the potential of individuals with disabilities and plays a crucial role in promoting inclusivity in sports, encouraging others to pursue their passions regardless of physical challenges.