1. Overview
Yoon Ji-yu (윤지유Yun JiyuKorean) is a prominent South Korean para table tennis player. Born on December 28, 2000, she has achieved significant success in her sport, notably winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Paralympics before her 16th birthday. Her career highlights her journey in disability sports, overcoming personal challenges to compete at the highest international levels.
2. Personal Life
Yoon Ji-yu's personal life has been significantly shaped by her early experiences, including her birth details, family background, and the onset of her disability.
2.1. Early Life and Family
Yoon Ji-yu was born on December 28, 2000, in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. She has a twin sibling.
2.2. Disability and Cause
Yoon Ji-yu became paralyzed at the age of 28 months. Her paralysis was caused by spinal cord infarction, a condition resulting from a disruption of blood supply to the spinal cord.
3. Career
Yoon Ji-yu has established herself as a formidable competitor in para table tennis, showcasing a distinct playing style and achieving numerous medals in major international competitions.
3.1. Playing Style and Classification
Yoon Ji-yu plays with a right-handed shakehand grip. She is classified as a Class 3 athlete in para table tennis, a classification for players with severe impairments affecting their legs, trunk, and arms, often requiring a wheelchair. She is 65 in (165 cm) tall and weighs 143 lb (65 kg). Her ranking history shows her as a top-tier player, reaching a highest rank of 2 in October 2019 and holding a rank of 3 as of February 2020.
3.2. Major Competition Results
Yoon Ji-yu has earned several medals at major international para table tennis competitions, demonstrating her consistent performance and skill.
| Year | Competition | Event | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Rio de Janeiro Paralympics | Teams C1-3 | Bronze |
| 2017 | Asian Championships (Beijing) | Teams C1-3 | Silver |
| 2017 | Asian Championships (Beijing) | Singles C1-3 | Bronze |
| 2019 | Asian Championships (Taichung) | Singles C3 | Bronze |
| 2022 | Asian Para Games (Hangzhou) | Singles C3 | Gold |
| 2024 | Paris Paralympics | Singles C3 | Silver |
| 2024 | Paris Paralympics | Doubles WD5 | Silver |