At JCOB, we believe in more than just performance. We believe in people. That’s why we’re honored to share the journey of Kim Hwang-tae, a South Korean paratriathlete whose strength and determination have inspired us deeply. His path to the 2024 Paris Paralympics is one marked by hardship, resolve, and an unwavering will to keep moving forward.

With Kim’s permission, we’ve gathered moments from publicly shared stories and media to highlight his impact. This is not just an athletic achievement. This is a story of life after loss, of rebuilding, and of finding new purpose through sport. We hope it reaches every rider who has ever questioned whether they could keep going. We’re also grateful that he rides with us on the Type 5 - it’s an honor to be part of his story.

A Turning Point Born from Tragedy

At 23, Kim Hwang-tae lost both of his arms in a tragic accident while working on a cable installation. It was a defining moment. The trauma left him not only physically changed but emotionally hollow. In his own words, he felt like life as he knew it had ended. He disappeared from the world for a while, unsure of what remained.

But movement became his form of healing. In 2001, he started running, one short step at a time. Just one year later, he completed a full marathon. That milestone didn’t erase the pain, but it did remind him that he was still capable. Every stride forward became a quiet rebellion against despair.

The Path to Paris

In 2015, Kim made a promise to himself: he would compete on the world’s biggest stage for para-athletes. Over nearly a decade of disciplined training, he transitioned from a marathoner to a triathlete, mastering swimming, cycling, and running in a body that had to adapt to every movement.

In 2024, that dream came true. Kim earned a spot in the Paris Paralympic Games as South Korea’s first paratriathlete in history. During the race, the current of the Seine River was strong. He swam using only his legs and hips. In the cycling segment, a wrist strap malfunctioned and he fixed it on the spot with a cable tie. He finished 10th in his category, but what he achieved went far beyond the numbers.

At the finish line, his wife and handler, Kim Jin-hee, placed the medal around his neck. She had been by his side through every stage, not only as his coach but as a companion who believed in him when he was at his lowest. The moment was quiet but unforgettable.

Riding Without Limits

Cycling without arms demands balance, custom equipment, and an unshakable mindset. Kim's technique is a masterclass in precision and adaptation. With his body as the stabilizer and his core as the control center, he maneuvers his bike with a grace that’s both beautiful and brutal. Every ride requires full-body awareness and deep focus.

When you watch him ride, it doesn’t look like he's limited. It looks like he’s flying. His posture, discipline, and rhythm all speak to a higher level of athleticism that transcends form and speaks directly to willpower.

Final Thoughts

Kim Hwang-tae does not compete for sympathy. He competes to push the limits of what is possible. His story is not about disability, but about determination. At JCOB, we are proud to support athletes like Kim who prove that resilience can be stronger than pain and purpose louder than fear. His ride inspires us and we hope it inspires you too.