Gangwon 2024: Countdown celebrations in Seoul as Torch Tour begins and PyeongChang 2018 legacy continues
With the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024 starting in 100 days in the Republic of Korea, we take a look at the ceremony and how PyeongChang 2018's legacy has played a key part.
A huge celebration in Seoul marked the key milestone of 100 days to go until the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Gangwon 2024.
K-Pop stars, athletes, organisers, and sports fans were in attendance at the event in the capital of the Republic of Korea on Wednesday (11 October), as the Gangwon 2024 Torch Tour also began.
The 2010 Winter Olympic figure skating champion Yuna Kim, a Gangwon 2024 Honorary Ambassador, said: “I’m so proud to be celebrating 100 days to go today. It is great to see so many young people involved, working together, given we shine brighter when we are together!”
Two-time Olympic champion speed skater Lee Sang-hwa added: “We stand here today with the Olympic flame burning brightly on the torch. Young athletes from all around the world will become friends through sport here, and we will make sure these Games will provide the stage that they can realise their dreams and passion.”
Sport shooter Jin Jong-oh was also at the event, and told us: “The flame of Gangwon 2024 has finally arrived in Seoul and the torch relay is set to get underway with the support of so many people here at the plaza. Young athletes continue to challenge and improve through sport, and this will be a good opportunity for them to make a step forward to becoming leaders in the future.”
K-pop bands Itzy and Riize performed for the 7,000 people at the venue, along with punk group Crying Nut, and Korean rapper Lee Young-Ji, while local students sung along to the Gangwon 2024 theme song, "We Go High."
The Olympic Flame then began its three-month "Journey of Solidarity" around the south of Korea, having arrived in Korea on 5 October, before it settles in Gangneung for the Opening Ceremony on 19 January.
PyeongChang 2018 legacy alive at Gangwon 2024
The last time the Olympic Flame was in Korea was for the Winter Olympics PyeongChang 2018, and the legacy of those Games is central to the Gangwon 2024 programme.
For starters, there will be several reused venues, such as the Alpensia Sliding Centre, Alpensia Ski Jumping Center, the Gangneung Oval for speed skating, and the Gangneung Hockey Centre.
These venues have all provided opportunities for members of the public and elite athletes to take part in sport between the two Olympic events, and Korea will be hoping to reap those rewards when the medals are decided at Gangwon 2024.
Local sports fans have been able to witness first class action over the years with the Asian Luge Championships, skeleton’s Intercontinental Cup, Ice Hockey U20 World Championship Division II Group B matches, and the 2020 Alpine Skiing Far East Cup.
Fans, athletes, and officials at Gangwon 2024 will benefit from a high-speed train line that connects the capital city Seoul to the Alpensia mountain region and Gangneung coastal areas, which greatly reduced the amount of vehicles on the road, while many permanent electric vehicle recharging stations now provide green energy in the areas surrounding the venues.