Kim Yeong-Hui was a South Korean basketball player. Kim was known for her height, standing 6-7 (205 cm), the cause for which would ultimately lead to the end of her career. Kim competed at the 1982 and 1986 Asian Games, winning a silver medal at each of them as part of the national basketball team. Kim was part of South Korea’s team at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where the team also won the silver medal.
In 1987, while training for the Seoul Olympics, Kim collapsed and underwent brain surgery. She was diagnosed with acromegaly, the source of her great height, which would lead to further health complications. Helped by fellow basketball players, Kim had her medical expenses subsidised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. After her death the Korean Women’s Basketball League held a match in Kim’s honour.
Republic of Korea