Seoul:Olympic swimming medalist Kim Woo-min will not require surgery on his injured left shoulder, contrary to initial concerns. The 25-year-old is set to begin rehabilitation to prepare for next year's world championships.

According to Yonhap News Agency, an official from Kim's agency, All That Sports, confirmed that after undergoing tests following the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, doctors determined that surgery was unnecessary. Kim had competed with a partially torn labrum and rotator cuff during the games.

The plan moving forward involves testing Kim every two to three weeks as he undergoes rehabilitation and low-intensity training. Kim, a 2024 Olympic bronze medalist in the men's 400-meter freestyle, also claimed three gold medals at the 2023 Asian Games. Despite his injury, he contributed to South Korea's bronze medal in the men's 4x200m freestyle relay and participated in heats for the 4x100m freestyle relay, aiding in winning silver.

Kim's athletic achievements include winning the 2024 world title in the 400m freestyle and securing bronze in 2025. As he prepares for the 2027 competition in Budapest, he aims for a third individual medal.

While Kim was unable to defend his Asian Games gold medals in the 400m and 800m freestyle this year, 19-year-old Zhang Zhanshuo of China emerged victorious, capturing seven gold medals, including record-breaking performances in the 400m and 800m freestyle events.