## Eddie Eagan and Won Yun-jong: Pioneers of Olympic Bobsleigh

### Eddie Eagan: A Unique Dual-Season Olympian

Edward "Eddie" Eagan was an American bobsledder and boxer, best known for his remarkable achievement as the only athlete to win a gold medal in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Born in Denver, Colorado, in 1897, Eagan had a distinguished athletic career that spanned both amateur boxing and bobsleigh.

#### Early Life and Boxing Career
Eagan grew up in a modest family and excelled academically and athletically from a young age. He attended Yale University, where he took up boxing and won the 1920 Olympic gold medal in light heavyweight boxing at the Antwerp Summer Games.

#### Transition to Bobsleigh
After completing his studies at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, Eagan shifted his athletic focus to the burgeoning sport of bobsleigh. His involvement began in the early 1930s, a time when the sport was gaining popularity, particularly in North America and Europe. Eagan joined the American bobsleigh team, bringing his competitive spirit and physical prowess to the icy tracks.

#### Historic Achievement in 1932
Eagan's most notable achievement came at the 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. He was part of the four-man bobsleigh team that won the gold medal. This victory not only marked his own personal milestone—becoming the first and only athlete to win gold medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympics—but also highlighted the United States' growing prominence in winter sports.

### Won Yun-jong: Breaking Barriers for South Korea in Bobsleigh

Won Yun-jong emerged as a significant figure in the winter sports arena for South Korea, a country not traditionally known for its prowess in bobsleigh. His journey and subsequent success at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang represent a landmark evolution for South Korea in this thrilling sport.

#### Early Career and Development
Won began his career in athletics, originally focusing on sprinting before making a transition to bobsleigh in 2010. The decision was influenced by the South Korean government’s increased investment in winter sports, with an eye on the upcoming 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

#### Rise in International Competition
Under the guidance of foreign coaches and a rigorous training program, Won quickly adapted to the technical demands of bobsleigh. His dedication paid off when he started competing internationally, gradually climbing up the ranks with his teammate, Seo Young-woo.

#### Silver Medal at Pyeongchang 2018
The climax of Won's career came during the 2018 Winter Olympics, held in his home country. Competing in the two-man event alongside Seo Young-woo, Won drove to a historic silver medal—the first Olympic medal in bobsleigh for South Korea. This achievement was celebrated as a significant breakthrough, shedding light on the potential for Asia in the traditionally Western-dominated sport of bobsleigh.

### Legacy and Impact

#### Eddie Eagan
Eagan's legacy extends beyond his dual-season Olympic victories. He exemplified the true spirit of an athlete, embracing challenges across diverse sports disciplines. His achievements paved the way for future American athletes to explore and excel in multiple sports, underlining the universal qualities of determination and versatility.

#### Won Yun-jong
For South Korea, Won represents the culmination of years of development in winter sports. His success has inspired a new generation of athletes in South Korea and across Asia to pursue excellence in sports like bobsleigh, highlighting the importance of perseverance and innovation in achieving sporting breakthroughs.

Both athletes, Eddie Eagan and Won Yun-jong, symbolize the spirit and evolution of Olympic bobsleigh, each setting historical milestones that have shaped the sport's trajectory in their respective countries. Their stories of triumph continue to inspire and resonate, proving that passion and perseverance can lead to groundbreaking achievements on the world's biggest stages.