From Florist to Wrestler: South Korean Woman Aims for Bodybuilding National Team

Noh Eun-soo, a 46-year-old resident of Gimhae, South Korea, is redefining the concept of a 'late-blooming flower' with her remarkable athletic journey. Once a florist and a graduate of Gyeongsang National University's physical education program, Noh pursued a different path after marriage and childbirth, becoming a self-employed business owner.

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I learned Ssireum because there were friends specializing in it in the physical education department. Those friends' coaches suggested I participate in the President's Cup Ssireum Competition for amateur sports in Jeju.

Her life took an unexpected turn when, in her 40s, she was scouted by a professional Ssireum (Korean wrestling) team. Noh's connection to Ssireum began in 2001 during her university years, where she learned the sport through friends. An invitation to a national competition in Jeju led to an unexpected victory in the women's division, despite a rule that barred winners from further participation.

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I was tempted by the idea of traveling to Jeju Island, so I entered the regional qualifiers for the Gyeongnam region and came in second. I won the national competition.

This initial success, however, was a brief chapter. Years later, Noh found herself drawn back to the sport. Now, she is setting her sights on a new athletic goal: representing South Korea as a national bodybuilding competitor. Every morning, Noh dedicates herself to training at the gym, demonstrating a persistent drive to achieve excellence in sports at a later stage in life.

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I felt so good. But at the time, the amateur sports regulations stated that winners could not compete in the tournament, so it ended there.