Yoo Yeon-soo, a former goalkeeper, has a ‘second life’ as a disabled shooter

by times news cr

Joined the disabled business team BDH Paras on the 16th.

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Yoo Yeon-soo (26), ‍a former professional soccer goalkeeper, ​begins his second life as a disabled shooter.

According to the Korea Sports Association for the Disabled on the 13th, Yoo ⁤Yeon-soo will ⁤join‌ BDH Paras through an induction ceremony on the 16th adn begin his⁣ career as a shooting athlete⁤ in earnest.

BDH Paras, a professional team for the disabled, was founded⁢ by changseong Group vice Chairman Bae Dong-hyun, who served as the ⁣Korean team leader for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics⁣ and Paris Paralympic Games.

Yoo ​Yeon-soo, who played as a goalkeeper ​for Jeju United in the K league 1, ⁤was hit by a drunk driving car‍ on October 18, 2022 and ended⁤ up on the operating‍ table, becoming physically disabled‍ and unable to use his lower⁢ body.

After receiving rehabilitation treatment, Yoo Yeon-soo, who attempted sports for the disabled, decided⁤ to ⁤transform into ⁤a shooting⁢ athlete.

Yoo Yeon-soo also visited the Châteauroux stadium in France,⁤ where ⁤the shooting event of the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games was held last ⁤september.

Along wiht Yoo Yeon-soo, Choi Yong-beom, a former non-disabled canoeist, also joins ⁢BDH Paras.

Choi Yong-beom had his left knee amputated in⁣ a car accident in March 2022, went through rehabilitation, and started canoeing for the disabled.

He placed 8th in‍ the men’s 200m kayak event at the paris Paralympics.

Choi Yong-beom also plans to ⁢participate ‍in the winter sport ⁢of Nordic skiing.

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What are the key challenges athletes with⁢ disabilities face when transitioning to ⁤a new sport?

Interview ‌Between Time.news editor and Disabled Sports Expert

Time.news Editor: Welcome to this special interview! Today, we have ⁤the ‌privilege of speaking with Dr. ‌Han Ji-suk, an expert in adaptive‌ sports and a prominent advocate for‌ athletes with ‌disabilities. ‌Dr. Han, thank you for​ joining‌ us.

Dr.​ Han Ji-suk:‌ Thank ‍you for‍ having me! I’m excited to discuss⁣ the journey of athletes with disabilities and ⁣the role of organizations⁣ like BDH ⁢Paras.

Editor: ⁤let’s dive right in.⁤ Recently, we reported on Yoo Yeon-soo, a former professional soccer goalkeeper ⁢who is transitioning to become a shooting‍ athlete with ⁢BDH Paras. What does this transition signify for an athlete ‍like him?

Dr.‌ Han: Yoo Yeon-soo’s ​journey is incredibly inspiring. It signifies resilience and the importance of adaptability in ⁢sports. ‌transitioning ⁢to a⁤ new sport after experiencing such a ‌life-altering ⁤incident shows his determination and flexibility.It can encourage others in ‍similar situations⁣ to seek‌ new passions and continue their⁣ athletic journeys.

Editor: Indeed, and it truly ‍seems that BDH Paras plays a ⁢crucial role in such transitions. Could you tell us​ more about the organization and its mission?

Dr.Han: Absolutely. ‌BDH Paras​ is a professional team designed​ specifically for athletes with disabilities. Founded by​ Bae Dong-hyun,who has a rich background in disabled sports,the organization​ aims to provide a supportive and competitive‌ environment for these athletes.It’s about not just elite performance but also community, training, and mental support, which are vital ‌for athletes as they adapt to new challenges.

Editor: What kind of support systems⁢ do⁣ you think athletes ​like Yoo will need as they embark⁣ on this new phase of their careers?

Dr. Han:​ Athletes like Yoo will need a extensive support system‍ that includes‌ coaching tailored to⁢ their new sport, psychological support to‍ manage the emotional aspects of their transition, and community ​engagement. They will also benefit from partnerships ‍with local businesses‌ and‍ organizations to help raise awareness about‌ disabled sports and encourage more participation.

Editor: It’s clear that support extends beyond just‍ physical training.‌ What impact do ⁣you ⁣believe stories like Yoo’s have‌ on public ‌perception of disabled sports?

Dr. Han: Stories like Yoo’s​ are vital in reshaping public perception. They highlight the capabilities and determination of athletes with disabilities, challenging stereotypes and showcasing that ‌physical limitations do not define athletic potential. Increasing​ visibility can inspire younger individuals to pursue sports and demonstrate ​that‌ success comes in many ​forms.

editor: Lastly, what advice⁢ would‌ you give ⁤to aspiring athletes with disabilities who look up to‍ figures like yoo⁤ Yeon-soo?

Dr.Han: ⁤My advice would ‌be simple: never underestimate your own strength and potential. Pursue what you love, and don’t​ be afraid to face ⁣challenges head-on.⁢ Connect with organizations ⁣in your area,⁢ seek ​mentorship, and‌ always strive to push your limits. Remember,every athlete’s journey is unique,and your story is just beginning.

Editor: Thank you, Dr.⁣ han,for your insightful thoughts on this topic. We look forward to seeing how ⁤Yoo Yeon-soo’s story unfolds as he embarks on this exciting new journey with BDH⁤ Paras!

Dr. ⁤Han: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing the inspiring​ world of adaptive sports with you.

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