How far would you go to achieve Olympic greatness?
For South Korean pistol shooter Kim Ye Ji, the answer is 90 kilometers (56 miles) every single day on a bicycle.
In a recent interview on the popular TV show You Quiz on the Block, Kim shared the incredible story behind her Olympic journey. Kim Ye Ji, South Korea’s silver medal-winning pistol shooter from the 2024 Paris Olympics, revealed she used to bike a whopping 90 kilometers (56 miles) round trip every day to get to her training—and it was all about maximizing her training efficiency.
The Gruelling Journey Behind Kim Ye Ji’s Success
Kim Ye Ji, now a viral sensation and Olympic silver medalist, revealed that her daily commute wasn’t a casual ride through the countryside.
The 2024 Paris Olympics star cycled between her home in Jeonju and the shooting range in Imsil, covering an astonishing 90 kilometers (56 miles) round trip. Her goal? To balance physical training with shooting practice in the most time-efficient way possible.
“I would leave at 5 AM and cycle for two and a half hours to the range,” Kim explained.
While most athletes would opt for a gym session or a shorter commute, Kim found that biking provided a full-body workout that enhanced her stamina for shooting. She would then train for hours and cycle back, spending over five hours a day on the road.
This intense routine wasn’t without challenges. Kim recounted a serious fall during one of her commutes, where she tore up her chin, leaving her bleeding and in pain. Rather than heading to the hospital, she continued biking to the shooting range.
“I put my helmet back on and pedalled to work while dripping in blood,” she said, demonstrating her unshakable commitment.
Let’s break down this Olympic-sized commute:
- The Distance: 90 kilometers daily. That’s like biking from New York City to Philadelphia… every single day.
- The Time: Over 5 hours of cycling. Most people don’t even spend that much time awake before work.
- The Dedication: 364 days out of 365. Even postal workers are impressed.
But why, Kim? why?
Despite her sacrifices, Kim’s perseverance paid off. Not only did she secure a silver medal in the 10m air pistol event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but she also earned the admiration of fans worldwide.
Kim’s story is going viral faster than she can cycle, and for good reason. It’s a tale of grit, determination, and probably some really impressive leg muscles. Her dedication has made her a role model not only for her daughter but for aspiring athletes everywhere.
But what do you think—could you imagine biking 56 miles every day just to chase your dreams?
Averagebeing’s Take: Kim Ye Ji’s commute makes my trip to the coffee machine look like a joke. Maybe next time I complain about traffic, I’ll remember Kim and bike to work instead… or maybe I’ll just hit snooze again. Either way, Kim’s giving new meaning to the phrase ‘road to success’!
