Late Judo Starter Shows Promise

She is 186 cm tall and weighs 138 kg.

Kim Na-young (19, Yong In University), the women’s judo over-78kg category bronze medalist at the Doha Asian Games last December, has the best physique that a judo athlete could wish for. The false preconception of Kim as a tough and blunt person because of her large build and judo background immediately disappears once you meet her. Kim, who is training at the Taereung Training Center, has a childlike voice and is very shy, making her no different from any other university girl.

“I’ve been bulky ever since I was young. I was 183cm tall and weighed over 110kg when I was only in the eighth grade. I have yet to meet another judo fighter who is bigger than me.”

It was in her sophomore year at Angang Girls’ Middle School that the life of ordinary school girl Kim Na-young made its turn. Teachers at nearby Kyoungbuk Physical Education Middle School eyed Kim’s strong build and suggested that she start judo, and because Kim thought, “It would be more fun than shot putting which I did for a short time in elementary school,” she transferred schools and put on her judo uniform.

Although she started slightly later than others, her superior physique helped Kim Na-young to sweep the junior stage during her middle school days. After entering Yong In University last year, Kim confirmed her potential in the adult arena by winning a silver medal at the Hungary Open in February.

“I want to play against China’s Tong Wen (Doha Asian Games women’s judo over-78kg gold medalist) and see how strong she is. My goal this year is to win in the national team selection in March and then the gold medal at the World Championships in September.”

Women’s judo national team coach Yoon Ik-sun (Age 53, Yong In University Professor) said, “She was born with excellent physique, and her technical understanding is good as well. She lacks experience, but with improvement in her match management ability, she definitely has a chance at winning a medal in the Beijing Olympics next year.”

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