Is the Medal Important? Their Smiles Are Gold

Olympics of Generation Z Giving a 'Thumbs Up' Despite Defeat

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] A cold world where winners and losers are divided. Our Taeguk Warriors are smiling at the Olympics, where one must be resolute to aim for medals. Now, they no longer despair even in defeat.

Hwang Sun-woo (18, Seoul Physical Education High School), who has emerged as the hope of Korean swimming, led the men's 200m freestyle final at the Tokyo Aquatics Center in Japan on the 27th of last month for the first 150m but fell behind in the last 50m, finishing 7th (1:45.26). He could have shed tears of regret, but Hwang was cool. He laughed it off, saying, "It's disappointing, but it's okay. I overpaced."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Taekwondo national representative Lee Da-bin (25, Korea National Sport University) lost the gold medal to Milica Mandic (Serbia) in the women's over 67kg final held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, on the same day. She was not resentful. Instead, she smiled brightly and gave a thumbs-up to Mandic.

The dignity of a loser who accepts the result was also seen in judo. On the 29th, after losing to Aaron Wolf (Japan) in the men's -100kg judo final, Cho Gu-ham raised Wolf's left hand high. He admitted defeat, saying, "He was the strongest opponent I have ever faced."

They are not alone. Kim Min-jung (24, KB Kookmin Bank), who won the silver medal in the 25m pistol shooting, smiled and said, "It's disappointing, but there will be another chance." Shin Yu-bin (17, Korean Air), a table tennis prodigy, said, "It was fun," after being eliminated in the women's singles round of 32.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

This is a scene that could not be seen five years ago in Rio de Janeiro. Now, no Taeguk Warrior sheds tears in front of the camera saying "I'm sorry" for not winning a medal. Our sports leaders who participated in past Olympics unanimously said, "The generation has changed."

Most of our athletes participating in the Tokyo Olympics belong to Generation Z (born mid-1990s to early 2000s). They grew up adapting to a digital environment from a young age, quickly understanding new cultures and environments. They boldly challenge themselves and know how to enjoy the moment.

They want fair competition. They get angry at cheating and are strict with themselves. That is why they have become mainstream even outside of sports. They are outraged by cases where children of high-ranking officials gained opportunities through illegal or unfair means. On the other hand, they cleanly acknowledge and accept the benefits enjoyed by opponents who are more skilled in fair competition.

Some say the spread of COVID-19 also had an impact. Before the Olympics, most of our athletes could not participate in international competitions due to the pandemic, which caused cancellations or postponements of world championships and other events. Most had to stay in the athletes' village for a long time and fight lonely battles. Naturally, they developed a thirst for competition. The Tokyo Olympics, held with difficulty, became an opportunity to quench that thirst. It gave new meaning beyond medals.

As of the morning of the 2nd, our team ranks 8th overall with five gold medals, four silver medals, and eight bronze medals. Although there are evaluations that the red light has been turned on for the initial goal of seven gold medals and a top 10 overall finish, our people do not mind. Because more than anyone else, the athletes are enjoying the Olympics.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.