Korean American Paralympic dreams are hanging in the balance as talented athletes face sudden disruptions in their training due to a critical lack of financial support and coaching expertise. Richard Kim, a 23-year-old long-distance runner with autism spectrum disorder, is among those whose promising athletic careers have come to an unexpected standstill despite his elite performance levels.
Kim has already proven himself as a top-tier competitor in mainstream sports. At the 2024 Level Mount Charleston Half Marathon in Las Vegas, he secured a spectacular first-place finish out of 1,434 participantsโincluding non-disabled runnersโwith an exceptional time of 1 hour, 12 minutes, and 16 seconds. He also placed seventh overall at the 2023 Big Bear Half Marathon, demonstrating undeniable athletic excellence.
Financial Hardships Threaten Korean American Paralympic Dreams
Despite his qualifying capabilities for major international stages, Kimโs preparation for the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Perth and the LA28 Paralympic Games has practically ceased. His father, who previously managed his training by cycling alongside him to provide direction and safety, can no longer sustain this demanding role. Without dedicated guidance, training becomes impossible for Kim.
“Richard absolutely requires a coach who can run right beside him to maintain his direction and pace,” expressed his mother, Eunice Yoon. “It is deeply heartbreaking to see his immense talent wasted simply because there is no structured environment to continue his training.”
Community Support Needed for Rising Athletes
Despite experiencing a severe gap in proper training over the last two years, Kim is set to compete in the upcoming 3rd National Korean American Sports Festival for the Disabled in Dallas, Texas. He joins a dedicated Los Angeles delegation organized by the Korean American Sports Association for the Disabled. The local roster includes promising athletes such as Ji-soo Kim, Han-yul Lim, Sun-yul Lim, Jung-eun Lee, and Eunice Kim, competing across taekwondo, golf, marathon, hangung (traditional archery), and the 400-meter dash.
The challenges faced by Kim are not unique; financial distress is a universal burden shared by most families in the program. Ji-soo Kim, a 37-year-old athlete with developmental disabilities, holds a 5th-degree black belt in taekwondo with 33 years of experience. After winning two gold medals at the inaugural festival in Kansas City in 2022, he has expanded his talents into golf to challenge two sports simultaneously. However, the heavy burden of airfare, lodging, and specialized equipment falls entirely on the individual families.
“Too many gifted individuals with disabilities are forced to abandon their athletic pursuits solely due to financial barriers,” said In-sook Kim, mother of Ji-soo Kim. She emphasized that with the 4th festival scheduled to take place in Los Angeles in 2030, a small amount of community awareness could dramatically shift the trajectory for these youth. “Sustaining this journey is an uphill battle for parents, especially when LA lacks any established system or corporate sponsorship dedicated to disabled sports. With just a little opportunity, these children grow immensely.”
Established in 2018, the Korean American Sports Association for the Disabled achieved official overseas branch status under the Korea National Paralympic Committee in 2022. Since 2023, they have proudly represented overseas communities at the National Para Games in South Korea, hosting their own bi-ennial festivals across the United States to foster inclusion and competitive growth.
(For inquiries or support, contact the Korean American Sports Association for the Disabled LA Chapter at (213) 446-3130.)
BY EUNYOUNG LEE [lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com]
