Former volleyball star Kim Yeon-koung has been selected as the Asian regional winner of the International Olympic Committee's Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions Awards.
The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee announced on the 10th that Kim was named the Asian regional recipient of the GEDI Champions Awards. The award recognizes individuals or organizations that have contributed to promoting gender equality, diversity and inclusion values through sports.
Kim competed in three Olympic Games, starting with the 2012 London Olympics, followed by the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. At the London Olympics, she led South Korea to the semifinals and received the rare honor of being named Most Valuable Player despite playing for a fourth-place team.
Since retiring from competition, Kim has worked to expand female athlete participation, strengthen leadership development and create a safe and fair sports environment. Through the TV program "Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung," she has provided technical guidance and mentoring to retired female athletes or those who left their teams, supporting their transition into coaching and other sports careers.