Mission life: THE KUKMIN DAILY

Korea Judo Team Member Jo Gu-ham: Faith on the Mat at Jakarta Asian Games

2018-08-16 16:53

“Korean judo’s David.” This phrase has been used to evaluate Jo Gu-ham (26, Suwon City Hall, photo), who is competing in the 91~100 kg weight division at the 2018 Jakarta-Palemba Asian Games. Jo, who is 177 cm tall, is classified as small among the mostly tall athletes in this division. However, his oft-demonstrated specialty is throwing Goliath-like opponents over his shoulder onto the mat. This tells why he is ranked the first in Asia.

On August 9, I visited Pilseung Gym at the national athletes’ village in Jincheon, Chungbuk-do, where the national judo team was doing last-minute training. National team coach Geum Ho-yeon told me, “Jo Gu-ham’s strong willpower enabled him to reduce his weight by 20 kg, and he is also an athlete of faith…He’s among those expected to win gold medals this time.”

When I met Jo Gu-ham just before the start of afternoon training, he gave this self-evaluation: “Compared to the earlier Rio Olympics, when I was considerably troubled by injuries, I think now I've become more skillful in the management of the event…Now I’m confident that I can efficiently block my opponents.”

He expressed thanks to those who have compared him to David. “I like the Bible verse ‘Be strong and courageous’ (Joshua 1:9), but I get even greater reassurance from the following phrase ‘I am with you,’” he said.

Considering that he must pour everything he’s got into each five-minute judo match, I asked what prayer means to him. He promptly replied, “It’s a resting place.” He explained, “Even athletes cannot help becoming shaky and exhausted due to tough physical training and slumps…When I fold my hands and pray in search of an answer, my mind naturally becomes peaceful.”

Jo Gu-ham will battle for the gold in the 91~100 kg class event, which takes place this coming August 31st. Due to the special character of judo, the brevity of each match, the whole event including finals will be concluded in one day.

Reporter Hwang Yuntae (truly@kmib.co.kr), from Jincheon, with Marion Kim (marionkkim@icloud.com)
Photo by intern reporter Zysu Song

Original Article in Korean:
‘한국 유도의 다윗’ 내일의 금빛 메치기 땀과 기도로 구하다: 자카르타-팔렘방 아시안게임 유도 국가대표 조구함 선수의 매트 위 신앙

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