By the time the Brazil Rio Olympics ended on August 21 (local time), Republic of Korea athletes had risen to 8th place in overall rankings, thanks in no small part to public expressions by Christians on the Korean delegates’ team. Apart from the acquisition of medals, these athletes boosted Christian self-esteem at a time when Christianity is being derided. Their performing of symbolic rituals and confessions of faith, moment by moment, during the competitive events, was particularly impressive.
The opening act was provided by new Christian Jeong Bo-gyeong (25, Ansan City Hall), who accepted the faith early last year at Taeneung Athletes’ Village, and who presented the Korean team with its first Rio Olympics gift on August 6 by winning the silver medal in the women’s 48 kg judo competition. The relayed images of Korean team members sharing moments of joy, thanks and consolation with Coach Lee Weon-hui, known as the faith mentor of Christians on the Korean team, were also moving. An Ba-ul (22, Namyangju City Hall), who won the silver medal in men’s 66 kg judo finals, had received earlier attention as a “model student in faith” for his unfailing attendance at Wednesday and Sunday worship services, even during the tough training period.
Jang Hye-jin (29, LH), standing tall as the new queen of archery with two gold medals, choked up Christian viewers by ceremonially folding her hands in prayer after her wins. She repeatedly said in interviews and on SNS, “I give all the glory to our Father in Heaven,” openly confessing her faith while expressing thankfulness. Jang has earned the title “archer of faith” for her shooting method: As she pulls back the bowstring, she repeats the words “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Kim So-hui (22, Korea Gas Corporation), reborn as “lucky seven taekwondo star” upon the news she had brought Korea its seventh gold medal, sent glory to God with her golden kick. All the way from her narrowly obtained right to participate in the Olympics, to her opponents’ high stack of accumulated marks, to her come-from-behind victory for the gold, Kim was writing a drama that was like a miracle each moment. In her interview following the awards ceremony, she said, “Each time the video came out showing the decisive win-lose conclusion of the semifinal or final round, I shouted silently, ‘Lord!’, and each time, the Lord gave me victory.”
Other Christians on the Korean team also showed the Korean public their measure as potential Olympic medalists. They included Jang Yeong-shik (24, Mirae Asset Daewoo), high in Korean table tennis hopes, who battled with a fighting spirit against China’s Ma Long, ranked no. 1 worldwide, and against Zhang Jike, ranked no. 4; and Korea’s boxer-of-the-future Ham Sang-myeong (21, Yongin University).
Elder An Rae-hyeon, president of the Christian Fellowship Group within the Korean Olympic Team at Taeneung Athletes’ Village, said, “I am thankful that the Christians on the Korean national team have given us a moving sports drama with the Gospel as its theme…Please keep cheering for them, that they may continue to glorify God through moments of deep impression and grace.”
Reporter Choi Ki-young (ky710@kmib.co.kr), with Marion Kim (marionkkim@icloud.com)
Photo: Joint Olympic Photo News Team (Rio de Janeiro)
Original Article in Korean:
리우올림픽 폐막… “모든 영광 하나님께…”: 기독 국가대표들 감동의 순간들
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