Sang Eun believes competitive sport is more than about just striving for performance and winning. “It’s also about showing respect for others,” she says. It’s no coincidence that respect happens to be one of the core Olympic values.
What about her own future beyond sport? Sang Eun explains that she is now studying law. “I have a big dream in my life,” she says. “I want to combine my sporting experience with my planned career in law to advocate on behalf of athletes, particularly younger athletes. I want to make sure their voices are heard.”
And her message for young people generally? Sang Eun pauses to reflect.
“If you think you’re not being meaningful in the world, if you feel vulnerable, if you feel your voice is not being heard, remember there are always people who are willing to support you. And if that doesn’t work, you can step up and be a leader and take control of your own life!”