Para Cyclist Lee Do-yeon Wins 4th Consecutive Individual Time Trial Gold at Nagoya Asian Para Games

South Korean para cycling's "Iron Lady" Lee Do-yeon (54, Jeonbuk Para Cycling Federation) has maintained her status as Asia's top athlete for 12 consecutive years after winning a gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games.

Lee claimed victory in the women's individual time trial (sports class H4) held on the road course of the Izu Velodrome in Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, on October 21, recording a time of 32 minutes and 10.53 seconds.

With this win, Lee achieved her fourth consecutive victory in this event, following the 2014 Incheon, 2018 Indonesia, and 2022 Hangzhou Games.

This also marks the fourth gold medal harvested by the South Korean cycling delegation at this tournament.

Despite poor racing conditions with rain and strong winds at the venue on this day, Lee steadily maintained a stable pace with an average speed of 18.648 km/h, crossing the finish line first.

After the race, Lee shared her thoughts, saying, "I am glad to have achieved my goal of four consecutive titles. My goal is always to perform to the best of my abilities regardless of my age. Whenever I felt lacking in physical strength, I resolved my mind by actually increasing my training hours."

Paralyzed from the waist down in an accident at the age of 19, Lee started sports with table tennis at 34, moved on to track and field, and then took up handcycling in 2013.

She has continued her relentless challenges, including competing as a national Nordic skiing representative at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Paralympics just one year after taking up the sport.

Lee expressed her gratitude to Kim Yong-ki (51, Jeonbuk Para Cycling Federation), who quit his job to serve as her dedicated training partner and coach, as well as her family who visited the venue to cheer her on, her sponsors, and the Korean Paralympic Committee.

She also encouraged younger athletes by saying, "Age is merely a matter of mental strength, and it is never too late to start something," adding, "As long as I do not hit physical and mental limits, I will continue to take on challenges without retiring."

Meanwhile, Heo Yoon-jung (53, Jeonnam Cycling Federation), who competed in the same event, finished the race despite a bleeding injury from a scraped left elbow during the ride, claiming the bronze medal with a time of 40 minutes and 36.71 seconds.

(Photo: Joint Press Corps, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.