Kim Hwang-tae Secures Spot in 2024 Paris Paralympics

Kim Hwang-tae (47, Incheon Disabled Sports Association), the first para-triathlete in Korean history, has secured his spot in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. He becomes the only athlete, disabled or non-disabled, from South Korea to compete in the triathlon at these Games. 

The Korea Paralympic Committee announced on the 3rd that Kim Hwang-tae boarded the last train to Paris, ranking 9th in the Paralympic rankings. The Paralympic rankings are calculated separately from the world rankings, and the top nine athletes' countries, based on rankings over the past year up to the 1st of this month, are granted qualification. 

In May, Kim Hwang-tae finished 3rd in the PTS3 classification (severe muscle impairment and amputation) at a para-triathlon event, boosting his Paralympic ranking from 12th to 9th. He then climbed to 8th place at the event in Swansea, UK, but a broken prosthetic arm during the Montreal event in Canada dropped him back to 9th, the final qualification spot. Among the 23 athletes in his classification, he is the only Asian representative. 

Kim Hwang-tae lost both arms in a high-voltage accident while working on an electrical installation in 2000 but started a new life through running just a year and a half later. He completed 70 full marathons and participated in various sports, including Nordic skiing and taekwondo, before targeting the Paris Paralympics by challenging himself in triathlon. 

Para-triathlon involves swimming 750 meters, cycling 20 kilometers, and running 5 kilometers. Kim rides his bike with prosthetic arms and swims using the strength of his legs and torso. He competes in the PTS3 classification for severe muscle impairment and amputation and is the world's only "double arm amputee" Ironman. His challenge, performing swimming, cycling, and running without arms, inspires hope among disabled individuals worldwide. 

After securing his place in the Paris Paralympics, Kim Hwang-tae humbly expressed, "I could compete in the Paralympics thanks to the interest, support, and help of many people, more than my ability. I am grateful." He also thanked Moon Jae-hong, manager of the Korea Paralympic Committee, coach Kim Jung-ho, interpreter Hong Esther, and his love, Kim Jin-hee, saying, "The long journey that began in 2019 has ended. Thank you for helping me achieve the dream of participating in the Paralympics, something I could never have achieved alone." He added, "With the mindset that this is just the beginning, I will take pride as the first para-triathlete from South Korea to compete in the Paralympics and do my best in Paris.