Kim Woo-min to undergo shoulder rehabilitation without surgery, agency says

South Korean Olympic swimming medalist Kim Woo-min will undergo rehabilitation rather than surgery for his injured left shoulder, his agency All That Sports told Yonhap on Oct. 12.

The agency said tests after the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games showed that an operation was not required despite partial tears affecting the labrum and rotator cuff. Kim will combine rehabilitation with low-intensity training and undergo follow-up tests every two or three weeks.

The 25-year-old raced with the injury at the Asian Games. He helped South Korea win bronze in the men's 4x200-meter freestyle relay on Sept. 21, then aggravated his shoulder during the 1,500-meter final the following day.

Kim also swam in the heats of the 4x100-meter freestyle relay on Sept. 24, but did not compete again at the Games. The agency said his rehabilitation was aimed at preparing for next year's world championships. Kim won Olympic bronze in the 400-meter freestyle in 2024.