How Kim Sang-kyum’s Wife’s Secret Ritual Led to His Surprise Silver Medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics

[Sports Seoul | Incheon Airport = Park Jun-beom] Kim Sang-gyeom (37, High1)’s silver medal at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics was backed by his wife Park Han-sol (31)’s exceptional support.

Kim made a triumphant return through Incheon Airport on the 10th. He secured the first medal for the South Korean team at these Winter Olympics—a surprising silver that came out of nowhere. After clinching the medal, he caught everyone’s attention by tearing up during a video call with Park.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect it to blow up like this. I was shocked and wondered if this was really happening,” Park said with a laugh. She had been secretly praying every day without Kim’s knowledge. “I actually started learning to pray a month before the competition to protect my heart,” Park revealed. She visited Bongseonsa Temple, which Kim frequents, but due to the distance, she decided to practice at home. “I did 108 bows every morning without him knowing. On the day of his event, I turned off the TV and just kept praying. I wanted to do everything in my power. I couldn’t just sit still,” she reflected.

For Park, her husband’s medal is pure elation. “I never saw this coming. Just making it to the Olympics already made him an amazing husband and son. We thought we should just enjoy the Olympic experience. I didn’t expect a medal, so this is truly incredible and feels surreal,” she expressed.

When they were dating, Park was unaware of Kim’s struggles. “At first, I thought he was just traveling and having fun. I assumed he was working in great places and living it up. I even asked, ‘Why are you complaining when you’re doing such a cool job?’ I said that because I wanted to be with him,” she admitted. “As time went on, I started to feel for him. It was heartbreaking. Now, I think it’s great that we respect each other’s space and live this way,” she said with a smile.

Kim Sang-gyeom’s journey is far from over. “Age is just a number,” he declared. “If my body holds up, I want to compete in two more Olympics. My goal for the 2030 Alps Games, when I’ll be 41, is to finally grab that elusive gold medal.”

Park fully supports his ambitions. “I respect however long he wants to continue his athletic career. He can keep going until he feels he’s done enough. I’m always here for him. Even if he doesn’t medal at the next Olympics, I just want him to enjoy the ride,” she said, showing her unwavering support.

beom2@sportsseoul.com