July 2023
K-sports
Q. Could you please introduce yourself?
Hello, I am Woongtae Jun, a national modern pentathlete.
Q. I heard that modern pentathlon consists of five disciplines.
Yes, modern pentathlon comprises five disciplines—fencing, riding, swimming, running and shooting. In fencing, points are scored for winning each bout against all other participants. In riding, you randomly pick a horse assigned by the association and attempt a show-jumping course with 12 obstacles without any point deductions to get the highest score. In swimming, you swim 200 meters freestyle and your time determines how many points you score. Running and shooting are combined into one event called Laser Run—where you run 3200 meters while shooting 20 rounds. You have to stop every 800 meters and shoot at targets to score five hits. The combined scores of these five disciplines determine the final score in the overall modern pentathlon.
Q. How did you become a modern pentathlete?
I initially trained as a swimmer—I got into swimming when a swimming pool was built in my neighborhood. I was faster at learning than others and enjoyed doing physical activities, so I became a swimmer. My records weren¡¯t very great, though. It was then that my coach recommended the discipline called Modern Pentathlon. I¡¯m quite competitive and I wanted to make a name for myself in modern pentathlon. I also found the idea of being able to engage in all five disciplines very fascinating. So, I switched my field in middle school and became a modern pentathlete.
Q. What makes modern pentathlon appealing to you?
I think the uniqueness of this discipline—the fact that not just anyone can take part—is its biggest appeal. Because despite the advancements in recreational sports, the disciplines of modern pentathlon are not something anyone can easily attempt. I am doing something that sets me apart from others, and I¡¯m engaged in five disciplines when one would be enough. In fact, I find pleasure in the diversity of disciplines—having a variety to engage in. Of course, it also means there are more things I need to focus on.
Jun participate in riding at the UIPM 2023. © UIPM & Augustas DidžgalvisQ. As you mentioned, it must be important to balance your time when preparing for five disciplines at once. Could you share how you train and if there are specific areas you focus on during training?
If I were to tell you about my daily routine, I get up early in the morning, do morning exercise, eat breakfast and then start my forenoon exercise. Then, I have lunch and proceed with afternoon exercise. And finally, after dinner, I continue with evening exercise. Since the weather has been getting hot lately, I¡¯ve been doing laser runs early in the morning, swimming in the forenoon and riding and fencing in the afternoon.
In modern pentathlon—there is not a single discipline that can be overlooked. You have to excel in every area—to not only become a medal-winning athlete but also to gain recognition from other fellow modern pentathletes who acknowledge your skills and say, ¡°This guy is really good.¡± That¡¯s why I take each discipline seriously. Although, there are days when this discipline doesn¡¯t go as well as planned, and that discipline doesn¡¯t go as well as I had expected. On such days, I continue my training as is. When training for the next discipline, I try not to dwell on the previous ones—I simply give my best to the training at hand. That¡¯s how I train for the five disciplines.
Q. What do you consider to be your greatest strength that allowed you to be where you are today as a modern pentathlete?
I believe my greatest strength lies in accurately assessing what I need—having a strong self-awareness enables me to determine what I should focus on and, consequently, precisely identify the specific training I need to undertake. I suppose I can say that I try not to waste my time prodigally.
Q. You recently won a gold medal for the Mixed Replay at the UIPM 2023 Pentathlon World Cup Final. You are still breaking impressive records after the Tokyo Olympics. With what mindset are you pursuing your athletic career?
I still think that I lack in many ways—and I also believe that I can improve with effort. Recently, I came across a quote from Son Heung-min¡¯s father that reads, ¡°When the heyday comes, it¡¯s over.¡± ¡°Heyday¡± in this quote implies reaching the peak of success—meaning there¡¯s nowhere else to go but down. With this quote in mind, I am putting in more effort, convinced that my heyday has not yet arrived. Moreover, as I am no longer considered a young modern pentathlete, I am adopting a more cunning approach to the game—like a fox.
Q. You are an athlete who produces excellent results as you always give your all in every second. What kind of athlete do you wish to be in the future?
Winning a medal at the World Championships—a ticket to both the Hangzhou Asian Games and the Olympics—stands as my short-term goal. Also, in Korea, my aspiration is to establish myself as a pioneering athlete, etching my name, Woongtae Jun, in the history of modern pentathlon. I wish to be an athlete who leaves a lasting legacy and contributes to the advancement of modern pentathlon in Korea.
Jun cuts the finishing tape in the Mixed Replay at the UIPM 2023. © UIPM & Augustas Didžgalvis
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