The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) has officially unveiled state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment at the Jincheon National Training Center Medical Center. The milestone installation introduces South Korea’s first 80cm wide-bore scanner, establishing a new benchmark for injury prevention, recovery, and performance enhancement in elite sports.
The official launch ceremony was attended by key figures in South Korean athletics, including Kim Taek-Su, Head of the Jincheon National Training Center; wrestling coach Ahn Han-Bong; artistic gymnastics coach Min A-Young; Olympic gymnast Yeo Seo-Jeong; and national swimmer Lee Joo-Ho.
Breaking Ergonomic Barriers for Elite Physiques
The newly deployed Siemens Healthineers MAGNETOM Free.Max features a world-unique 80cm bore diameter—a significant improvement over conventional 60–70cm MRI systems. Designed with high-performance athletes in mind, the expanded spatial clearance accommodates individuals with broad shoulders, large muscle mass, or claustrophobic tendencies, ensuring a far more comfortable diagnostic experience.
“With the introduction of this advanced MRI technology, we are taking a major leap forward in systematic injury management and sports medicine research for our national athletes,” said Kim Taek-Su, Head of the Jincheon National Training Center. “By leveraging data-driven insights, we aim to proactively protect athlete health and optimize performance on the world stage.”
Driving Data-Led Performance & Medical Research
Beyond immediate diagnostic scans, KSOC plans to use the MRI to systematically track physical changes, study sport-specific injury patterns, and conduct cutting-edge sports medicine research. Following regulatory approval from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the facility will expand its operational scope to offer full precision diagnostic examinations.
The Jincheon Medical Center’s scientific approach is already gaining global accolades. Earlier this year, the facility was awarded the prestigious Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Asia Sports Science and Medicine Award, reinforcing its growing reputation as an international center of excellence.
Aligning with Global Elite Training Hubs
By integrating high-precision diagnostic imaging directly into its primary training compound, South Korea aligns its sports science infrastructure with world-leading institutions, such as:
• Aspetar (Qatar)
• Japan Institute of Sports Sciences (JISS) (Japan)
• INSEP (National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance, France)
Looking ahead, KSOC plans to introduce dedicated CT scanning equipment next year, transforming the Jincheon Training Center into a comprehensive, world-class hub that supports every phase of the athletic lifecycle—from injury prevention and precision diagnosis to rehabilitation and peak performance.
About the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC)
Led by President Ryu Seung-Min, the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee is the governing body for Olympic sports in South Korea, dedicated to advancing athletic development, sports science, and elite performance infrastructure.
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