Kim Yoo-suk
A South Korean trailblazer who soared to become Asia's first and only male pole vault world champion, shattering continental records.
Born 1982 (age 44)·South Korean pole vaulter·Birthday: January 19·Millennials
Biography
Kim Yoo-suk emerged from a nation with little history in his event to redefine what was possible for Asian athletes in pole vault. His career was a testament to obsessive dedication, peaking in 2007 when he captured the World Championship gold medal in Osaka, a seismic moment for the sport in his home country. He dominated the Asian scene for nearly a decade, repeatedly resetting the continental record and proving himself a formidable competitor on the global stage, including at two Olympic Games. Kim's legacy is that of a solitary pioneer, whose technical mastery and competitive fire paved the way and raised expectations for a generation of athletes in his region.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kim was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Kim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the gold medal in the men's pole vault at the 2007 World Championships in Athletics in Osaka.
- Set the Asian record in the pole vault multiple times, ultimately clearing 5.90 meters indoors.
- Became the first Asian male athlete to win a World Championship gold medal in pole vaulting.
- Earned a pole vault silver medal at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha.
Did You Know?
His 2007 World Championship win was so unexpected that the stadium announcer initially misidentified him as an American vaulter.
He is a trained pilot and has expressed a desire to fly commercial aircraft after his athletic career.
He studied Physical Education at Korea National Sport University.
“The bar is the only opponent; you must conquer your own fear to clear it.”
