Athlete Lim Ae-ji Opens Up About Struggles with Weight Fluctuations and Identity Crisis

Lim Ae-ji revealed that she has experienced an identity crisis due to frequent weight fluctuations.

On the 880th episode of MBC's variety show 'Radio Star,' which aired on the 4th, the 'Tribe of Warriors' special featured appearances by Oh Sang-wook, Koo Bon-gil, Kim Ye-ji, Kim Woo-jin, Lim Si-hyun, and Lim Ae-ji.

Kim Gook-jin mentioned to Lim Ae-ji, "You became a hot topic with your candid remarks after winning a medal." Lim Ae-ji explained, "After the international competition, I had to prepare for domestic competitions, but there are only three weight classes for women. I had to gain weight." In contrast, there are ten weight classes for men.

She continued, "After each competition, I have to lose weight again to reach 54kg. Discussions about subdividing weight classes have been ongoing for about ten years, but nothing has changed. Repeatedly gaining and losing weight has caused hormonal issues."

Lim Ae-ji confessed, "At some point, I started worrying about my life as a person, not just as an athlete. I wondered, 'What if I can't get pregnant?' This made me understand why some athletes give up."

She firmly stated, "People say there are no weight classes because there are no athletes, but I think it's the other way around. There are no athletes because there are no weight classes." Lim Ae-ji added, "I wanted to win a medal to bring attention to this issue."

After securing a bronze medal in the quarterfinals, Lim Ae-ji discussed the need for more weight classes. She shared, "I attempted to compete at 54kg during the 'Hangzhou Asian Games' but failed. I gained 6kg for the domestic competition but was disappointed. I felt like I couldn't succeed either domestically or internationally," she said tearfully.

Struggling with an identity crisis, she admitted, "There were many moments when I wanted to quit. Having the opportunity to speak out makes the Paris Olympics medal even more precious."

Reporter Lee So-jung, TenAsia forusojung@tenasia.co.kr