Won Yun‑jong Wins IOC Athletes’ Commission Seat, First Korean Winter Olympian
Updated (2 articles)
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Image: Yonhap -
Image: YonhapWon Yun-jong of South Korea (C) celebrates after being elected to the Athletes' Commission of the International Olympic Committee on Feb. 19, 2026, in this photo provided by the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. Won is joined by (from L) Nicole Hoevertsz, head of the Athletes' Commission Election Committee; Johanna Taliharm of Estonia, also elected to the commission; Ryu Seung-min, president of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee; and Emma Terho, head of the Athletes' Commission. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) Source Full size
Election Results Confirm Won’s Lead With 1,176 Votes On February 19, 2026, Won Yun‑jong secured 1,176 of 2,393 votes cast by Winter Olympic athletes, topping a field of 11 candidates and earning one of two newly created commission seats [1][2]. The vote tally reflects participation from 2,871 eligible athletes, with an 83.4 % turnout, the second‑highest rate in Winter Games history [2]. His victory places him ahead of Estonia’s biathlete Johanna Taliharm, who received 983 votes [2].
First Korean Winter Olympian Joins Historic Commission Lineup Won becomes the first South Korean winter sport athlete to sit on the IOC Athletes’ Commission and the third Korean overall after taekwondo champion Moon Dae‑sung (2004) and table‑tennis gold‑medalist Ryu Seung‑min (2004) [1][2]. His appointment raises South Korea’s total IOC membership to two, alongside Kim Jae‑youl, elected in October 2023 as ISU president [2]. The commission role carries an eight‑year term with full IOC voting rights, allowing Won to influence athlete‑related policy at the highest level [2].
President Lee Congratulates and Government Pledges Support South Korean President Lee Jae Myung posted a public congratulatory message, praising Won’s leadership, trust, and sincerity, and highlighted Won’s 2018 Olympic bobsleigh silver medal achievement [1]. Lee announced that the administration will actively back Won’s commission work and engage in international discussions on sports and athlete rights [1]. The government’s backing underscores South Korea’s strategic interest in expanding its influence within the Olympic movement [1].
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: South Korea’s Won Yun‑jong Elected to IOC Athletes’ Commission, President Lee Congratulates – Reports Won’s election, President Lee’s Facebook tribute, and the government’s pledge to support his commission activities .
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Yonhap: Won Yun‑jong Becomes First South Korean Winter Olympian on IOC Athletes’ Commission – Highlights Won’s vote total, historic status as the first Korean winter Olympian on the commission, and details about voter turnout and term rights .
Timeline
2004 – Moon Dae‑sung (taekwondo) and Ryu Seung‑min (table tennis) become the first South Koreans elected to the IOC Athletes’ Commission, establishing early Korean representation on the body. [2]
Feb 20 2018 – Won Yun‑jong leads South Korea’s four‑man bobsleigh team to a historic silver medal at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, marking the nation’s first Olympic medal in the sport. [1]
Oct 2023 – Kim Jae‑youl is elected president of the International Skating Union, becoming the second South Korean IOC member and expanding Korea’s influence within the Olympic movement. [2]
Jan 30 2026 – Athlete voting opens at the Milan‑Cortina Olympic Village for the IOC Athletes’ Commission, initiating a period that sees 83.4 % of the 2,871 eligible Winter Olympians cast ballots. [2]
Feb 19 2026 – Won Yun‑jong wins 1,176 of 2,393 votes, topping 11 candidates and securing one of two new seats on the IOC Athletes’ Commission, becoming the first South Korean Winter Olympian and the third Korean ever to serve. [2]
Feb 19 2026 – Estonian biathlete Johanna Taliharm finishes second with 983 votes; both she and Won will replace outgoing commission members Emma Terho and Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen at the end of their terms. [2]
Feb 19 2026 – The eight‑year term granted to new commission members confers full IOC voting rights, allowing them to shape athlete‑related policy and governance through 2034. [2]
Feb 19 2026 – President Lee Jae‑Myung posts a Facebook message congratulating Won, praising his “leadership, trust and sincerity” and pledging government support for Won’s commission work and international athlete‑rights advocacy. [1]
Feb 19 2026 – The South Korean government announces it will actively back Won’s activities on the commission and engage in global sports discussions, reinforcing national commitment to athlete representation. [1]