People

My Sled, My Happiness

Jung Seung-hwan, is a para ice hockey player and honorary ambassador
for the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games

Jung Seung-hwan, known as the “fastest ice sled hockey player in the world,”
was named by the International Paralympic Committee on its list of the top 20
paralympic stars to watch during the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.
At the age of 5, he had his left leg amputated after an unfortunate accident.
The young athlete dreamed of making it big on the ice, no mater how dangerous it was.
Jung, a member of the national para ice hockey team for
the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games,
shares with us his story at the Seonhak International Ice Rink.

Written by Park Ji-yeon Photographed by Studio Kenn

Hockey is My Calling

When asked what made him pick up ice hockey, Jung simply says “Fate.” He first learned about ice hockey in 2004 through the sled hockey players Lee Jong-kyung and Jang Jong-ho. At that time, he thought it was impossible for him to take up any kind of sport. Because ice hockey is an intense activity even for those without disabilities, Jung was surprised that it was included as a paralympic sport. When the initial shock had passed, however he felt a surge of excitement as he watched the players racing along on the ice. “It seemed like they were flying. It’s not quite walking or running. The sled had gives them wings; the freedom to fly.” Jung looked back on this fond memory with an expression of bliss. The thought alone was enough to make him giddy with freedom.
The sport has its dangers, but Jung embraced the challenges. The decision marked a turning point in his life.

Taking Full Control at
160 kph/100 mph

Being an athlete is exhausting for the body. According to Jung, the most challenging part was the beginning, when he had to adjust to the sled. Everything else that came after was much easier. We can only imagine how difficult it must have been. In standard ice hockey, the players skate on the ice. In the paralympics, however, the para ice hockey players ride specially designed sleds. The sled is comprised of a metal frame on two skate blades.

The players use two 80-90cm/31-35 inch hockey sticks,that are a bit shorter than standard hockey sticks. Each stick has a hook at one end for the players to grip the ice and to pull themselves forward. Jung makes sure that his picks are always sharp. Keeping them sharp is the key to more speed and agility on the ice. In sled hockey, it's important for players to have complete control over their sleds.

The scratches and dents on Jung’s sled testify to his hard work and dedication.
Arm injury is especially common among para ice hockey players, who use their arms and shoulders to skate and dribble. Jung, too, has had his share of injuries and accidents. His body is constantly bruised from bumping into other players. Once, when he broke a finger just before an important tournament, he simply attached a metal plate to it as a temporary fix.

“The answer is to keep practicing. If I make excuses and miss out on training, I’m the one who has to face the consequences. Once, when I was jetlagged and missed a training session, there was something awkward about riding the sled the next day.” As an ice hockey player, Jung says that the sled must feel completely natural, as though it’s a part of your own body.

Words of Encouragement
to Young Athletes

Those who conquer their fear will gain mastery over the sled. For many, this is easier said than done. Jung has a message for young athletes who are hesitant to start para ice hockey because of their fear of the sled. “The sled can make you feel nervous, but it shouldn’t be something you fear. If that’s the case, ice hockey isn’t for you. If you're serious about becoming a para ice hockey player, you must overcome your fear and keep on practicing.”

Jung’s words of advice strike a chord. Regardless of whether or not you have disabilities, most people start out the same. How much and how fast you develop depends on your amount of training. It's rare to come across someone with natural talent. Even the gifted figure skater Kim Yuna went through rigorous training from the age of 7, and there were numerous times when she almost caved under the pressure and felt like giving up. We can’t all be good at what we do, but if we’re doing something we enjoy, we can push ourselves to become better.

I Dream of Being Called
“Ice Hockey Player Jung”!

Jung’s career as an ice hockey player has been nothing short of remarkable. After all, he's an international athlete with fans in Korea and around the world. With Korea hosting the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, Jung hopes that the public will develop a more mature perspective toward disabled people. He would like to be known as a ice hockey player, not someone who has overcome some disability.
Since every athlete has some kind of difficulty to overcome, there's no need to shower praise on athletes with disabilities simply out of pity. Jung’s greatest wish is to not be defined by his legs or lack thereof.

As he speaks, Jung takes out two rubber pucks from his bag. He always has two pucks with him so that he can practice anywhere, anytime. Now, it’s time for him to get back to practice. For Jung, the sled is his source of happiness and strength.
May he someday fulfill his dream of being called “Ice Hockey Player Jung.”

Jung Seung-hwan Profile

Jung Seung-hwan, para ice hockey player
- Jan 9, 1986
  Member of Gangwon Provincial Office Para Ice Hockey Team
- National para ice hockey player at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games and Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games
- 2009, 2012, 2015 Best forward at the IPC Ice Sled Hockey World Championships (MVP)
- 2018 Honorary ambassador and national para ice hockey player for the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games