Handball makes Airman's Olympic dream reality

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Stefanko
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Since Carsen Chun was a child he had always been athletic, participating in any sport presented to him with the dream to one day take part in the Olympics.

Now, after years of hard work and determination that vision may finally become a reality.

Joining the Air Force with hopes to grow as a leader and an athlete, 2nd Lt. Carsen Chun, 86th Munitions Squadron material flight commander, took advantage of every opportunity to improve himself.

"I have always had a love for sports from basketball to swimming, I did it all," said Chun. "So when I found out there was a handball club at the Air Force Academy, I joined immediately."

Handball consists of two teams of seven players, passing a ball to and from with the intention of throwing the ball in the opposing team's goal.

"Handball is a lot like soccer except you get to use your hands," said Chun. "It is a very fast-paced and challenging sport which is why I took to it so quickly, it's everything I enjoy."

After graduating the academy the Hawaiian native received orders to Ramstein Air Base, Germany where he continued his passion of playing handball across Europe.

"I love everything I do at the munitions squadron as well as in handball and I was worried I would have to give up the sport to do my job," Chun said. "While both require a lot of my time, with a little management and determination it all worked out in the end."

Feeling confident in his ability, Chun submitted an application to the World Class Athlete Program which would be his first step towards competing in the Olympics.

The Air Force WCAP is a two-year program that provides active duty personnel the opportunity to train and compete at national and international sports competitions with the ultimate goal of selection to the United States Olympic team.

"Being selected for the athlete program is a huge accomplishment," Chun said. "To be able to represent not only the Air Force but the people who have supported me along the way means a lot and I will try my hardest to make them proud."

The WCAP will send Chun back to America where he will train at least five days a week and compete in several national and international events for two years, preparing him for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

Though a long and bumpy road, the Air Force athlete is a step closer to making his dream of winning a medal at the Olympics a reality.