We are here – we are strong!
This is the second time a team from South Korea has competed at the Invictus Games. For the Asians, this isn’t just about their rehabilitation, but also fighting for attention and connection.
“We are Invictus and we are right here,“ whispers Jooeun Lee, 30, with a mischievous grin. This is what he wants to say and show the world. The South Korean has already won two medals at the INVICTUS GAMES DÜSSELDORF 2023 presented by Boeing: bronze in the indoor rowing IR5 one-minute-sprint and silver in the IR5 four-minute endurance race.
“We are Invictus and we are right here,“ whispers Jooeun Lee, 30, with a mischievous grin. This is what he wants to say and show the world. The South Korean has already won two medals at the INVICTUS GAMES DÜSSELDORF 2023 presented by Boeing: bronze in the indoor rowing IR5 one-minute-sprint and silver in the IR5 four-minute endurance race.
He can rightly be proud of what he has achieved. But Lee is reserved and modest in his celebration. There is a reason for that. In South Korea, military service is compulsory for men. Until just three years ago, those who refused could face imprisonment. In addition, those who’ve been injured during their compulsory service can only search in vain for a social network that will support them in their rehabilitation. Physical and mental injuries such as the loss of a limb or PTSD are common, but offers for rehabilitations are rare.
“In Düsseldorf,“ explains Lee, “it was the first time I met other people who had the same thoughts and experiences as me.“ In contrast to his experienced teammate Seung Min Choe, 49, who attended five different training camps before the Games and won gold in the indoor rowing IR2, the young Lee only got to know his team shortly before Saturday’s Opening Ceremony.
“We don’t talk about impairments. Even on the street, you don’t meet anyone with a physical or mental impairment,“ adds the Korean translator. Away from the Invictus Games, Lee works as a consultant in his home country. He wants to help build better infrastructure for people with disabilities.
And he is needed. Visibly emotional, he tells the story of an encounter with the mother of a boy with disabilities. She came up to him and thanked him profoundly for his commitment. For him, that is still “the proudest moment of my life.“ Raising awareness of the issue, promoting sustainable rehabilitation options for wounded servicepeople, and perhaps even bringing the Invictus Games to South Korea in 2029 – these are causes close to the hearts of the Korean team.
“A Home for Respect!“ The slogan of the Invictus Games 2023 in Düsseldorf is not just a saying for Seung Min Choe. For him, it is a vision that he would like to see realised in his country in the near future. The team positions themselves as pioneers and role models for many people.
Jooen Lee finds family, recognition and understanding among his fellow competitors: “My family is the Invictus family.“ When Choe hears this, he pats him on the shoulder, laughing in approval. A picture of father and son.
Author: Ann-Christin Mack
