Young-Suk Hong - 'changing the prejudice about disabled people'

I had the chance to ask a few questions to Young-Suk Hong, a pioneer in developing sporting opportunities for disabled women in South Korea who reached a career high of no 7 on the ITF Wheelchair Tennis ranking.

How did you get started in wheelchair tennis?

In Korea, when wheelchair tennis was an unexplored field, I first started as a female athlete in Korea, and wanted to change the prejudice about disabled people and the participation and social participation of women with disabilities in disabled sports. 

Who has had the most influence on your career? 

My mother and my teacher, Jung Jung-rim, my supervisor, helped me to get to the top of wheelchair tennis.

Because of their two dedicated sacrifices, they were able to withstand the moments they wanted to give up and achieve good results.

What was the highlight of your career? 

I won the Asian Games singles gold medal and the 2006 ITF (Athlete of the Year) for the first time as an Asian female athlete and received four Korean Presidential Awards.

I was the first Korean player to participate in the ITF Masters Tournament, the year-end tournament for the top 8 players in the world. 

What has wheelchair tennis given you over the years? 

I really love and respect tennis players from all over the world who are making great challenges through wheelchair tennis.

In my fight with myself, I learn sportsmanship that loves each other, and my heart beats when I think of tennis in constant passion and challenge. I am so proud to be a tennis player in my life.

Do you play tennis now? 

Although I do not play tennis in earnest, as I did when I was a player, I play in a number of places to promote wheelchair tennis and disabled sports. Based on his passion through tennis, I am living a meaningful life day after day through various volunteering activities in society.