Pin badges stretch all the way back to Athens 1896, the very first modern Olympic Games, and have become an important part of the culture surrounding the Olympic Games. The act of pin trading helps to bridge cultures by forging connections between people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds.
by Yu Xiaozhong, Wang Chunyan
GANGNEUNG, South Korea, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- For any teenage athlete, winning a medal at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) probably creates memories that will last a lifetime. Not to mention a haul of two gold and two silver medals.
Yet for Zhang Xinzhe, a 16-year-old Chinese short-track speed skater who has taken four medals at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympics, there are more fond memories from his first YOG experience - he made a friend with Lim Yeo-jeong, a South Korean volunteer at the Games.
Everything started with a pin.
A PIN GIFT
Pin badges stretch all the way back to Athens 1896, the very first modern Olympic Games, and have become an important part of the culture surrounding the Olympic Games. The act of pin trading helps to bridge cultures by forging connections between people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds.
Located inside both Youth Olympic Villages for Gangwon 2024 - Gangneung and Jeongseon High 1, Athlete365 House is an essential hub for competitors to meet other athletes and enjoy activities designed to help them maximize their YOG experience. In addition, it's an Olympic pin trading hotspot.
Like his YOG peers, Zhang frequently visited Athletes365 House since he checked in at the Youth Olympic Village. On January 20, Zhang and several teammates took part in a VR Experience activity at the Athletes365 House. Lim and two other volunteers approached Zhang in the hope of getting a China pin that features the panda Bing Dwen Dwen, the mascot for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
As Zhang had only two China pins, he had to ask the three volunteers to play "rock paper scissors" to decide who could get the pins.
Lim turned out to be the unlucky loser. Seeing as Lim was apparently upset with the outcome, Zhang ran away instantly, borrowed a China pin from his teammate Li Jinzi and gave it to Lim.
"I was surprised," Lim recalled. As a Chinese proverb goes, misfortune may be a blessing in disguise, Lim said. But she never expected it could be fulfilled in such a way.
"The pin is a symbol of true friendship. For me, it will be the most memorable moment from the Youth Winter Olympics," she said.
Next came Zhang's turn to receive a surprise gift.
A HAND-WRITTEN LETTER
On January 21, Zhang claimed gold in the men's 1,000m short-track final. When he passed by the Athletes365 House after his competition, Lim was waiting to congratulate him. She also gave Zhang a hand-written letter.
"The letter was neatly written in Chinese. I didn't expect such a gift at all, so I've been deeply moved," said Zhang.
Lim studied Chinese language briefly during her high school days. Despite previous learning experience, she admitted, she had to resort to a translation app while composing the letter. And it took her a while to finish the hand-writing.
"Hopefully we can meet again at the next Winter Olympics," Lim wrote in the letter. "I will always be supporting you even if we can't see each other."
Lim was a senior high school student when South Korea hosted the Winter Olympics in 2018. Ever since she has harbored dreams of becoming a volunteer for the Olympics. Six years on, her dream came true.
Lim's responsibility during the Gangwon 2024 YOG is a physical therapist. "I've learned a lot from these YOG athletes. It will help me in future career development," she said.
Zhang and Lim have followed each other on Instagram, making it easy to keep in touch after the Youth Olympic Games.
"For me, the YOG gave me joy when I made the podium, but I found the same amount of joy meeting new friends. I will keep those memories forever," said Zhang. ■
