Kim Dong-hyun to Coach Thai Sled Team, Aiming for Olympics

Kim Dong-hyun is set to lead the Thai sled team in their quest for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. This marks a new challenge for Kim, as he becomes the first coach to lead a sled team from a Southeast Asian nation. He recently received the reins from the Thailand Ski and Snowboard Association and has begun intensive training.

Kim, a former star of Korean sledding, transitioned to coaching after retirement and now aims to guide Thailand to their first Olympic appearance in the sport. Under Kim's guidance, the Thai sled team is undergoing a rigorous training program to improve their skills. Kim is leveraging his experience and know-how to tailor training methods to the Thai athletes, striving to achieve significant progress in a short period.

The road to the 2026 Winter Olympics will be challenging, but Kim and the Thai sled team are determined to make their dream a reality through persistent effort and dedication.

The Thai sled team is currently undergoing intensive joint training with Kim Dong-hyun in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Pyeongchang, the host city of the 2018 Winter Olympics, boasts world-class sledding facilities, making it an ideal training location. Thai athletes are focusing on perfecting their start techniques on the Pyeongchang track, recognizing the critical role of a strong start in achieving faster times. Kim is dedicated to improving their starting posture and propulsion.

Kim is also emphasizing strength and conditioning. Sledding requires explosive power in short bursts, so the training program is designed to maximize the athletes' strength and agility, ultimately boosting their performance. The joint training in Pyeongchang is expected to provide the Thai sled team with a valuable opportunity to nurture their Olympic dreams.

As part of their preparations for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, the Thai sled team will compete in the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) North American Cup. This international competition attracts promising bobsleigh and skeleton athletes, providing Thai athletes with a valuable opportunity to test their skills against global competitors.

Kim Dong-hyun has set a goal for the Thai team to achieve a top-10 finish in the North American Cup. A top-10 result would be a significant achievement for Thailand, a nation with limited history in sledding, and would indicate the potential for future growth. Kim aims to use the North American Cup to provide his athletes with practical experience and identify areas for improvement, ensuring they perform at their best in the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Thai sled team's participation in the North American Cup will be a crucial step in their preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Although still developing, Thai sledding has shown remarkable progress and potential in recent years. Notably, Thailand won a silver medal in the women's monobob event at the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games. This was Thailand's first-ever international medal in sledding, signaling a bright future for the sport in the country.

The exceptional skills and potential of the Thai athletes impressed sledding officials worldwide, generating increased interest and expectations for Thai sledding. Kim Dong-hyun is focusing on this growth and is establishing a systematic training program to maximize the athletes' potential. Building on the success of the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games, he aims to develop Thai sledding into a powerhouse in Asia.

Kim Dong-hyun was a prominent figure in Korean sledding, achieving numerous accomplishments throughout his career. He made history at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, winning a silver medal in the four-man bobsleigh with Won Yun-jong, Seo Young-woo, and Jeon Jeong-lin. Kim's exceptional leadership and strategic management skills were instrumental in securing the valuable silver medal for Korea.

After retiring following the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Kim embarked on a new challenge as a coach, pursuing the ambitious goal of leading Thailand to the Olympics in sledding. Leveraging his vast experience and expertise, he is dedicated to guiding the Thai athletes and ensuring they achieve success at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The combination of Kim Dong-hyun's leadership and the passion of the Thai athletes promises to create another inspiring story at the 2026 Winter Olympics. From a hero of Korean sledding, Kim Dong-hyun has transformed into a pioneer of Thai sledding, ready to write a new chapter in the sport's history.