Seung-Min Kwon, a remarkable short-track speedskater at the age of fifteen, boasts the extraordinary achievement of being a two-time national champion and a pivotal member of America’s junior national team. His outstanding contributions to the sport were recently acknowledged by the United States’ Speedskating High Performance Department, naming him the Short Track Junior Development Skater of the Year.
Under the guidance of coach Simon Cho, Kwon thrives as a member of the Potomac Speedskating Club, renowned for clinching the National Club Championships for three consecutive years. At the 2019 championship in Madison, Wisconsin, Kwon played a crucial role in maintaining the club’s title by securing a podium spot in the Junior C group and returning adorned with a silver medal.
Since his early years, short-track speedskating has been Kwon’s sole sporting passion, introduced to him by a close family friend. He favors practicing the belt crossover during dryland training, showcasing his dedication to perfecting his craft. Inspired by the retired Russian speedskater Viktor Ahn, a multiple world titles holder, Kwon finds motivation in emulating his idol’s success. Post-race rituals involve savoring a Clif Bar and a banana as he crosses the finish line.
Beyond the ice, Kwon’s interests span science, travel, and music, and he aspires to pursue medical school in the future. Seung-Min Kwon’s journey in short-track speedskating is marked by unparalleled success, and his dedication promises an exciting and accomplished future in the sport.