South Korea’s beloved individual rhythmic gymnast Son Yeon Jae has decided to retire at the age of 22.
Son Yeon Jae’s agency, Galaxia SM, released an official statement on February 18, announcing that Son Yeon Jae would be retiring as an active athlete, just four days before the selection contest for the Korean national squad.
Her agency made an announcement on her behalf explaining her feelings regarding her retirement,
“Son Yeon Jae will not be participating in the selection contest for the Korean national squad. At the same time, she has decided to retire as an active athlete.”
She states she has no regrets or disappointments. She would like to say she is incredibly thankful for all the exponential love and support she has received over the years.
Son Yeon Jae may be leaving rhythmic gymnastics, but she will continue striving to bring South Korea’s rhythmic gymnastic scene up in the international world. If she ever has a chance to contribute in exacerbating South Korea’s honor in rhythmic gymnastics and help her hoobaes, she will actively look into it.
She may be ending her athletic life, but she is looking forward to walking a new path of life with a different kind of hope for the future.”
– Galaxia SM
Son Yeon Jae’s announcement comes off the back of a fantastic year for the young gymnast. She was voted the the top South Korean Athlete of 2016 according to a Gallup Korea poll, receiving 29.8% of the total vote, as well as finishing with an impressive 4th place at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games.
Source: Yonhap News, [1]
