Path to PyeongChang 2018: Olympian Pentathlete to Olympic Volunteer

11 | 12 | 2017

With less than two months to go to PyeongChang 2018, Justinas Kinderis OLY, a modern pentathlete from Lithuania, has found himself in unfamiliar territory as he prepares to take part in his first Olympic Winter Games.

The double Olympian and three-time world champion has signed up to work as a Venue Photo Supervisor at PyeongChang 2018, a role he is very much looking forward to as he adjusts to sport in a colder climate.

“I have many reasons for being there. First of all I want to get more experience not only as an athlete but also as a worker,” said Kinderis. “Another reason is the event where I am going to work, biathlon, is multi-discipline and similar to my sport of pentathlon. I believe it is one of the most interesting sports of the Winter Olympic Games so I can't wait to go there.”

Kinderis fell into the position after moving to South Korea to study at the International Sports Academy in 2016. He quickly took an interest in the organisation of the upcoming Games and got involved in test events for bobsleigh, ski jumping, nordic combined and alpine skiing competitions, where he impressed the local organising committee by turning his hand to a range of different duties.

“Being an athlete myself and understanding other athletes is really useful,” he continued. “Because I know how they feel and I can put myself in their position and ensure they are not disturbed during competition.”

It wasn’t long before he was offered a position to lead a team of volunteers that will oversee photographers covering biathlon during Games-time, helping to ensure the smooth running of the event. Since accepting the role, he is putting his leadership skills he gained as an elite athlete to good use, while still finding time to balance his study and training commitments in Korea.

World Olympians Association at PyeongChang 2018

World Olympians Association is inviting all Olympians planning to attend PyeongChang 2018 to register their interest for WOA’s Olympians programme.

Pre-registration is now open on the WOA website – sign-up today and make the most of your PyeongChang 2018 experience.