Record-setting high jumper Woo overcomes disadvantage, injury

High jumper Woo Sang-hyeok’s record-setting performance and sportsmanship at the Tokyo Olympics have become a source of good vibes online.

Woo, who finished fourth in the final, set a milestone for Korea’s track and field by breaking his own and Korea’s record.

The 25-year-old made it to the Olympic final for the first time in 25 years since Lee Jin-taek in 1996. In the final, he effortlessly cleared 2.35 meters on his first attempt, breaking the 24-year Korean record of 2.34 set by Lee in 1997.

Viewers praised Woo’s cheerfulness in the competition, despite struggling with his 2.37 and 2.39 attempts. One Twitter user described him as a “serotonin boost” and complemented his smile and amazing performance.

Woo’s ambition, desire and relentless efforts have won him the accolade of achieving the highest– ever ranking for a Korean in an Olympic men’s high jump event.

Woo has risen above career threatening injuries and physical disadvantages.

Woo’s physical qualities are anomalous to succeed at this elite level.

He stands at 1.88 meters tall, relatively short compared to his competitors whose average height is 1.90 meters.

His right foot size is about 15

millimeters smaller than his left one as he suffered an injury after a car accident at the age of seven, in which his right foot was stuck in the door of a taxi.

“I used to have a balancing problem because I have different-sized feet. But I trained a lot to improve my balance. Now, it doesn’t concern me,” he said.

“There are athletes who are short and still succeed. Hard work never betrays you.”

For Woo, the process of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics was not easy, either.

To compete in the Olympics, all athletes must meet an entry standard or rank within the top 32 in the world rankings. On June

29, Woo raised his personal best height by clearing 2.31 and ranked 31st, becoming a last-minute qualifier for the Olympics.

“In 2019, I almost walked away from high jumping due to an (ankle) injury. However, my coach Kim Do-kyun kept telling me, ‘You can do it.’ I believed in him and worked really hard. I’m glad he put up with me,” Woo told reporters after finishing fourth.

“It took me four years to increase my record from 2.30 to 2.31, but tonight I was able to raise my personal best height by 4 centimeters. I’m satisfied with setting a new Korean record. I’ll try to win the Paris Olympics three years from now.”