Paris Olympic silver medalist and Asian Games gold medalist Huh Mimi revealed that throwing out the first pitch at a Korean Series baseball game was more stressful than competing in a world-class judo final. The 24-year-old judoka made the surprising confession after her ceremonial pitch at the Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on November 7, StarNews Korea reported.
Huh Mimi served as the honorary pitcher for Game 4 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Korean Series between the Samsung Lions and the KT Wiz. The event, a best-of-seven playoff, featured singer Hong Eul-sa performing the national anthem before Huh took the mound. Following her successful pitch, she addressed the media, comparing the high-pressure moment to her experiences on the Olympic stage.
“It was more nervous than a judo match,” Huh said with a smile. “Although I was very nervous, the sense of honor was greater, so I truly felt happy.” She added, “Baseball is incredibly popular, so I’ve always followed it. I was truly honored to be able to throw a pitch for the Korean Series.”
Athlete of Two Worlds
Even an athlete accustomed to the intense pressure of Olympic finals found the baseball stadium atmosphere unique. “Judo and baseball are completely different, aren’t they?” Huh remarked. “I think baseball players are truly amazing.” She expressed newfound respect for the athletes, saying, “I was just nervous throwing a single pitch. I can only imagine how nervous the actual players must be.” When asked to assess her own pitching performance, she confidently replied, “I’m satisfied.”
Journey to Gold
Huh’s athletic prowess places her firmly among the world’s elite. In 2024, she claimed the gold medal in the women’s 57kg category at the World Judo Championships in Abu Dhabi. Later that year at the Paris Olympics, she secured a silver medal in the same weight class and a bronze in the mixed team event, establishing herself as a new face of Korean judo.
The Olympic silver, however, was not the color she had dreamed of. After returning to Korea, she visited the Heo Sik Mirakbi (Miracle Monument) in Gunwi, Daegu, where she placed her medals and vowed to return with an Olympic gold. She fulfilled that promise this year. At the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in October, Huh defeated Mongolia’s Tuvshinbayariin Byambaa in the women’s 57kg final, claiming the gold medal. The image of the athlete, born and raised in Japan, standing atop the podium as the South Korean flag was raised was a powerful moment of national pride.
Following her Asian Games triumph, Huh returned to the site honoring her ancestor. “I brought the gold medal this time, which reminded me of the moment I visited after the Olympics,” she recalled. “Back then, I brought a silver and a bronze, but bringing the gold this time makes me feel like my competitive journey is truly complete.”
The Unfulfilled Dream
Through it all, Huh Mimi’s focus remains fixed on the one prize that has eluded her. “I strongly want to bring back an Olympic gold medal next time,” she stated with firm determination.
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