Kyubin Oh

Kyubin Oh began her rigorous speedskating training at a young age in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, specifically in Reston, Virginia. At 14 years old, she was already engaged in a demanding schedule, waking at 3:30 a.m. five days a week for 90-minute ice sessions with Dominion Speedskating. This commitment extended beyond the ice, with additional two-hour strength training sessions after school and on Saturdays. Her training environment included a cohort of dedicated young athletes and experienced Korean coaches, a key factor often cited for the region’s success in short track speedskating.

Oh’s involvement in the sport placed her within a vibrant local speedskating community that consistently produced world-class talent. She trained with Dominion Speedskating, a club known for its intensive practices and professional coaching. This experience allowed her to develop technical skills, such as maneuvering around competitors and employing smooth crossover footwork. Her dedication is further highlighted by her aspiration to compete in the Olympics, following in the footsteps of former clubmate Maame Biney, who became the first African-American woman to qualify for a U.S. Olympic speedskating team.

Her family’s support was integral to her career progression, with her father noting the significant time commitment involved. Oh’s journey in speedskating exemplifies a sustained pursuit of high-level athletic achievement, characterized by daily discipline and a clear focus on long-term goals within a competitive sporting landscape. Her objective was to continue skating until her extensive practice yielded significant personal and athletic accomplishment, with a specific aim towards the 2022 Beijing Olympics.