As athletes have been arriving in PyeongChang over the last couple of days, weeks and months, their lives have been quite busy with acclimatization, getting comfy in the athletes village, and trying to focus. We managed to grab a bit of time from Korean Ice Hockey team member, Caroline Park.
We first met Caroline many moons ago through our Asian Hockey network in the GTA. She was only a kid to us back then. She has since completed her undergrad at Princeton (and played hockey there, too!), and is in the middle of med school at Columbia. We’re looking forward to following her throughout the Olympics, but here’s a bit of inside scoop for now.
Selfie in front of the Rings! (Photo Credit: C. Park)
1. Good or bad, what has been the most unexpected aspect of your Olympic journey so far? What has left you in awe?
[CP]: I’ve met several athletes who similar to myself, grew up in one country and are now competing for another, which has been a bit unexpected. It’s always a surprise (a pleasant one!) to walk by a different country’s table in the dining hall and hear them speaking perfect English haha. This has also left me in awe: meeting all these athletes who have dedicated and sacrificed so much and have gone to great lengths for the chance to compete at the Olympics is incredibly inspiring.
2. Do you speak Korean? Is there a language barrier between you and your teammates and if so, how do you communicate with each other?
[CP]: I can understand almost 100% but I cannot speak fluently (almost but not quite). It’s not hard for me to communicate with teammates but sometimes other imports who cannot speak Korean at all have some difficulty. Most of the South Koreans know English so they translate or speak English with us so what was initially a bit of an adjustment is quite manageable and easy now.
3. How have you been balancing med school with traveling to South Korea for hockey?
[CP]: I’m currently taking a Leave of Absence from medical school. I decided while I’m here in Korea and at the Olympics, I would focus solely on that and not try to study while here. I think by trying to invest yourself fully in whatever you’re pursuing at the moment, it allows you to do your best and not have any regrets. It’s quite difficult at times, especially when jumping back and forth, because you do feel like you’re falling behind (whether it is with hockey or school). However, I think when you’re passionate about doing something, you figure out how to overcome these challenges. Essentially, I just try my best at whatever is on my plate at the moment.
4. Describe the athletes’ village (anything about it that you want to share).
[CP]: It’s pretty awesome. There are apartment buildings designated for different countries (flags are all over their buildings), there is a main dining hall for all athletes to eat (complete with a McDonalds where everything is free), vending machines with free Coke products (we use a keychain to swipe and we can get whatever), and a “village plaza” where there are some stores and fun things like a beauty shop where we can get our nails and hair done.
Me and my dad in front of the Olympic Rings in the Athlete’s Village. My dad is volunteering as the team host for the Canadian men’s hockey team. It’s been really special to be able to see/hang out with him inside the athletes village and to share this experience with him. (Photo Credit: C. Park)
5. Do you have any superstitions or lucky charms?
[CP]: Nothing specific. I like to listen to certain songs on my ‘pre-game’ playlist and also travel with one of those Funko Pop figurines of ‘Korg’ from Thor Ragnorak.
6. Have you made friends that you’ll bring home to the annual Asian Hockey Championship in Toronto?
[CP]: I now know 22 Koreans who I could potentially bring back to AHC as a new team. Watch out.
7. Also, if you don’t mind, I will post a link to your Toronto Star article. (I didn’t know you were on Degrassi!!! Are you like me where you’ll always know Drake as a nerdy scrawny actor?)
[CP]: Sure- haha yes, I will always think of him as Jimmy.
Check out the Toronto Star article here!
The Korean women’s national team kicks off their tournament on Saturday against Switzerland as a unified team made up of North and South Koreans. Here’s to hoping CBC will broadcast the hosts at 7am EST (should be available at least online!).
Pano shot from the home bench in the Olympic Women’s Hockey venue (Kwandong Arena). (Photo Credit: C. Park)