Ryo Won Experience Of A Lifetime At Winter YOG
Feature: Ryo Ong Yik
It is every aspiring young athlete’s sporting goal to stand among top competitors at the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG), and Ryo Ong was no exception. His dream materialised on 19 January 2024, as the Games unfolded with 1800 athletes from 79 nations, marking the biggest event of Ryo’s fledgling career. Carrying Singapore's flag with pride, he entered the Games, a moment he had long envisioned after a journey filled with sacrifices.
In a bid to qualify Singapore for the 2024 Winter YOG, Ryo took a Leave of Absence in 2022, dedicating himself to training in South Korea. Under the guidance of former South Korean skater Lee Ho-eung, he trained rigorously, ultimately earning a spot in the Games after a commendable performance at the 2023 ISU World Junior Short Track Speed Skating Championships.
Straight after his GCE O-Level examinations, he headed back to South Korea to train further in preparation for the Games which was held from 19 January to 1 February 2024.
Beyond his expectations, Ryo made history by becoming the first Singaporean to advance to the semi-finals since the Republic's debut in the 2020 Lausanne Games. This significant feat came after the alumnus finished the quarter-final with a remarkable timing of 2:25.282s. He subsequently secured overall 13th place in the B final of the Men’s 1500m event.
Reflecting on his unexpected success, Ryo said in an interview with the Straits Times: “I did not think I would make it to the finals – even making it to the semi-finals was quite an achievement.” He also showcased his prowess in the 1000m and 500m events, finishing 26th and 30th, respectively.
Relishing his time in South Korea, Ryo is making the most of the unique experience outside the rink, enjoying the diverse offerings at the village’s food hall and engaging in game sessions for athletes. With gratitude, he expressed, “I won’t get this experience again, so this is something that I will treasure while I’m here.”
It is every aspiring young athlete’s sporting goal to stand among top competitors at the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG), and Ryo Ong was no exception. His dream materialised on 19 January 2024, as the Games unfolded with 1800 athletes from 79 nations, marking the biggest event of Ryo’s fledgling career. Carrying Singapore's flag with pride, he entered the Games, a moment he had long envisioned after a journey filled with sacrifices.
In a bid to qualify Singapore for the 2024 Winter YOG, Ryo took a Leave of Absence in 2022, dedicating himself to training in South Korea. Under the guidance of former South Korean skater Lee Ho-eung, he trained rigorously, ultimately earning a spot in the Games after a commendable performance at the 2023 ISU World Junior Short Track Speed Skating Championships.
Straight after his GCE O-Level examinations, he headed back to South Korea to train further in preparation for the Games which was held from 19 January to 1 February 2024.
Beyond his expectations, Ryo made history by becoming the first Singaporean to advance to the semi-finals since the Republic's debut in the 2020 Lausanne Games. This significant feat came after the alumnus finished the quarter-final with a remarkable timing of 2:25.282s. He subsequently secured overall 13th place in the B final of the Men’s 1500m event.
Reflecting on his unexpected success, Ryo said in an interview with the Straits Times: “I did not think I would make it to the finals – even making it to the semi-finals was quite an achievement.” He also showcased his prowess in the 1000m and 500m events, finishing 26th and 30th, respectively.
Relishing his time in South Korea, Ryo is making the most of the unique experience outside the rink, enjoying the diverse offerings at the village’s food hall and engaging in game sessions for athletes. With gratitude, he expressed, “I won’t get this experience again, so this is something that I will treasure while I’m here.”
