Banska Bystrica, Slovakia – South Korean high jumper Woo Sang-hyeok, known as the "Smile Jumper," is set to compete at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Tour Silver Banska Bystrica Indoor High Jump event on February 19th.

Woo, who recently won the Czech Hustopeče Indoor Competition with a jump of 2.31 meters, has his sights set on breaking his own Korean record of 2.36 meters. He has a history of success in Banska Bystrica, having won the event in both 2022 and 2024.

"I'm excited to be back in Banska Bystrica," Woo commented. "I'll give it my all to try and win again this year."

The competition will feature several other top athletes, including Ukraine's Ole Doroshuk and the Czech Republic's Jan Štefela, both of whom competed in the Paris Olympics.

Woo is a decorated athlete, with achievements including a gold medal at the 2022 World Indoor Championships and a silver medal at the 2022 World Outdoor Championships. He also won the Diamond League Final in 2023. After finishing 7th at the Paris Olympics, Woo has set his sights on medaling at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

This event will serve as a key test for Woo as he evaluates his training progress during the off-season.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]