Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Events at Winter Youth Olympics in South Korea

GANGNEUNG: The ongoing Winter Youth Olympics in eastern South Korea faced disruptions for the second consecutive day on Sunday due to heavy snowfall, affecting both the competition schedule and associated cultural events. The games, which opened in Gangwon Province on Friday, have been marred by weather-related challenges.

According to Philippines News Agency, the snowfall led to adjustments in the timing of various events. The ski jumping event, originally scheduled for Saturday in Pyeongchang, approximately 130 kilometers east of Seoul, had to be moved due to the severe weather. Similarly, the men’s Super G race in alpine skiing, set for Sunday in Jeongseon, a county southeast of Pyeongchang, experienced multiple delays, eventually starting at 3:25 p.m.

In Gangneung, about 30 kilometers east of Pyeongchang, the inclement weather also impacted cultural activities. Two-time Olympic short track speed skating champion Choi Min-jeong’s one-point lesson session was canceled on Saturday. Likewise, Lee June-seo, a men’s relay silver medalist in 2022, could not conduct his clinic session on Sunday due to the snowy and windy conditions. Consequently, all outdoor activities, performances, and skating sessions in Gangneung were canceled.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has lifted a heavy snow warning for Gangwon on Sunday, though more snow is expected into the afternoon, with some areas receiving rain showers. The eastern part of Gangwon may see up to 7 more centimeters of snow. Between Thursday and Sunday morning, Wangsan-myeon in Gangneung recorded 44 cm of snow, while downtown Gangneung received just over 10 cm.

The heavy snow on Saturday led to road blockages and severe congestion across Pyeongchang and Jeongseon, but local officials reported that conditions have since improved.

The Winter Youth Olympics, the first to be held in Asia, are scheduled to conclude on February 1. In a related development, South Korean snowboarder Choi Gaon has been ruled out of the competition due to a lower back injury sustained during a training session at the International Ski Federation World Cup in Laax, Switzerland. Choi, a 15-year-old gold medal favorite in the women’s halfpipe, will miss the event scheduled for the final day of the Youth Olympics.