‘You must do CrossFit’: Netflix show ‘Physical 100’ winner Woo Jin-yong talks about the Olympics, fame, and gives tips on beating 99 opponents
- Woo Jin-yong, a former snowboard cross athlete and CrossFit gym owner, beat 99 contestants to win US$226,000 in the gruelling Netflix show Physical 100
- He talks about how his experience, strategising and crossfit training contributed to his success, and his dream of coaching at the Olympics
Woo Jin-yong, the 174cm (5ft 8in) and 80kg (176lb) winner of Physical 100, is certainly brawny, but his physique did not stand out among the other 99 well-toned contestants in the breakout Netflix hit. What set him apart was much less obvious.
The 37-year-old says his background as a former snowboard cross athlete and CrossFit gym owner stood him in good stead for the contest. But more important was his ability to think on his feet, be strategic and stay calm, especially during heated moments. And this comes with age and experience.
“If I had participated in the show when I was a few years younger, I would have never won first place,” Woo says.
“When I was a young athlete, I was quite hot-headed and acted before thinking. It was when I coached [South Korea’s] snowboard cross national team several years ago that I really learned the importance of calming down and receding a little bit when I want to stand out and push through.”
Walking away with the grand prize of 300 million won (US$226,000) and being crowned South Korea’s fittest by the streaming platform has made him a bit of a celebrity. He was even recognised in the streets of Hong Kong on a visit to celebrate the fifth anniversary of local gym GO24.