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“In general, my training includes a lot of strength and endurance work. There is, of course, lots of skiing, but my routine also includes running, cycling and even roller- skiing during the off-season. Before each event, I visualise the course several times, thinking about tactics and how I should race. And, of course, I spend a lot of time warming up. I will usually ski for maybe 40 minutes, then jog for 20 minutes, and finish with some stretching.” “PyeongChang 2018 will be a very special Olympic Winter Games for me, since I will be competing in one of my two home countries. I also hope the Games will increase enthusiasm for winter sports in the Republic of Korea, and Asia in general.” PYEONGCHANG BELIEF “Since Lillehammer, a lot more people know who I am. A Korean broadcasting channel even made a documentary about me. People do sometimes recognise me and it’s a little weird, but I train and work hard as I have always done, and will always do. For me, the YOG built confidence and I started realising that I could become a really good athlete. It gave me trust and belief [in myself]. I will carry that throughout my career, and it will help me whenever I’m having tough times.” INNER DRIVE “I like physical challenges and I have always loved sports. Within cross-country, I love the fact that we are always in harmony with nature. Often, when we’re skiing, we catch amazing views of the mountains. That gives me so much peace and inspiration. I’ve also always loved watching cross-country skiing on TV, and felt I wanted to do the same as the athletes I was watching. Pushing your limits is a big part of this sport, and that gives me great satisfaction, which must be the main reason for me being able to push as hard as I do.” PREPARATION “During the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Lillehammer 2016, I made some great memories, had some great experiences, and got a taste of what it feels like to participate in an Olympic event. I’ll never forget the moment I stepped into my room after winning my first gold medal and my room-mate [Alpine skier Bae Jun-woo] went crazy; he was so happy for my win. We got to know each other and became really good friends.” YOG MEMORIES “My diet is what gives me the energy to do all of my physical training, and is therefore essential. At the moment, I live by myself, attending a boarding school in Geilo [in Norway], so I do have some cooking skills. For breakfast and lunch I usually eat bread and yoghurt, while for dinner I like having meat, fish, rice or pasta. I just focus on eating enough – and enough variety – especially during hard training weeks.” DIET AND NUTRITION DESTINATION PYEONGCHANG OLYMPIC REVIEW 51