A Vision of Autonomy and Growth in the Athletes’ Village
Chief Kim Taek-soo, who leads the autonomous Jincheon national team player village culture, marked his 100th day in office on the 9th. Taking office on April 1st as the 27th national team’s president, Chief Kim brings a wealth of experience from his athletic career, including gold medals in the men’s team event at the 1990 Beijing Olympics, bronze in men’s singles at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, and gold in men’s singles at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games.
Despite his illustrious past, his first 100 days as head of the athletes’ village were anything but routine. “The first 100 days were really hectic,” he said with a smile. “It felt like 1,000 days, and I think it’s only been a week since I came to the athletes’ village, but I think it’s already been 100 days.”
To celebrate this milestone, the athletes’ village staff organized a surprise party for him. “They threw me a 100-day party. I didn’t even think about it, but I was moved. I was very touched.” The gifts included a cake, a bouquet of flowers, a T-shirt, and new sneakers. “He also gave me new sneakers as a gift, saying that all my sneakers were old after running hard for 100 days. I think it means to run more,” he added with a smile.
Building an Open Culture
Over the past 100 days, Chief Kim has focused on cultivating an open athletes’ village culture based on trust, communication, and respect. One of his early initiatives was changing the early morning training, which used to be mandatory, into a voluntary activity. “The players have become noticeably brighter, and they are training more passionately,” he noted. Even during heatwaves, when early morning training was adjusted to three days a week, participation rates remained strong. “Our players do better if they do it on their own,” he explained.
Through constant interaction with athletes and leaders, Chief Kim has quickly built close relationships. “Players and leaders greet me first, and say what they have to say without hesitation,” he said. For instance, when he met Kim Seung-won of the middle school girls’ national swimming team, she mentioned the pool was too hot. As a result, additional air conditioning was installed in the stretching area. Similarly, complaints about weight store drinks running out led to the addition of a refrigerator.
Enhancing Communication and Exchange
Chief Kim continues to emphasize an open and communicative environment by engaging directly with the athletes. “Dream Tree, the candidate players were given the opportunity to train with senior national team players in the athletes’ village, and the on-site response was good.” He also highlighted the increased exchange of foreign players through field training, providing opportunities to train at world-class facilities and promoting K-sports globally.
Athletes’ village experience programs with local sports associations and schools have also gained popularity. “The enthusiasm for reservations is high,” he said. During a visit to Chungbuk Sports High School, he met the principal and expressed his commitment to taking good care of the players. “It’s the first time an active chief has come,” he noted, and he invited the principal to visit the athletes’ village as well.
Enriching the Athletes’ Experience
Chief Kim is also focused on enriching the athletes’ experience beyond training. “We are giving humanities lectures at the athletes’ village, performing in orchestras, and continuing to prepare special lectures that the players want.” Additionally, he is planning an event called “Chicken Day” to help blow off the heat.
While emphasizing autonomy based on trust, communication, and respect, Chief Kim also stressed the importance of maintaining rigorous training standards. “The reason for creating an autonomous atmosphere is also for good grades. There is no rough patch on the national team. A player who makes 100 by ordering does more than 100 if he does it on his own. Creating an atmosphere to bring out more than 100.”
Preparing for Future Events
The first major sports event under Chief Kim’s leadership will be the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in February next year. After visiting Milan and Cortina last month, he shared insights about the training arrangements. “Short track athletes are training at the athletes’ village, and speed skating is training outside the village in Yangyang, Gangwon Province. I also communicate with Pyeongchang athletes’ village from time to time.”
Although the right to participate in the winter event has not yet been confirmed, the training department has already analyzed past performances, set objectives for each event, and planned expected performance. To provide customized support, the Sports Association is collecting necessary parts for sports organizations in advance.
Looking Ahead
As Chief Kim marks the first 100 days of his two-year term, he has renewed his determination in new sneakers. “Players, leaders, and athletes are already well aware of the vision I am pursuing. It is important to continue to push and settle. Next year’s Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics and the Aichi/Nagoya Asian Games will also be well prepared with athletes and leaders. I will be a member of the national team that impresses, comforts, and makes people laugh. We ask for your special attention to our players.”