"I Will Run for Korea, for Korean Fathers"

Marathoner Oh Juhan, Coach Oh Changseok Who Helped Naturalization in Kenya Dies During Training
Overcoming Doping Sanction Mistake, Firm Resolve "Repaying Korea for Easing the Burden of Poverty"

O Juhan participating as a Korean athlete in the men's marathon at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

"Hello, I am Wilson Loyana Erupe. My Korean name is Oh Juhan." In June 2015, a marathoner from Kenya declared a new beginning at Incheon International Airport's arrival hall. He expressed his intention to naturalize as a Korean citizen in front of reporters. He promised to bring an Olympic medal to a country he had only visited four times for marathon competitions. That is why his name was 'Juhan (走韓),' meaning 'running for Korea.' His surname was taken from his agent, Professor Oh Changseok of Baekseok University's Department of Sports Science, who was like a father to him.

The connection dates back to 2010 in Eldoret, Rift Valley Province, Kenya. At an altitude of 2100m on the central plateau, Professor Oh had been running a marathon training camp since 2007. The affection he poured into coaching local athletes went beyond a teacher-student relationship. He especially cherished Oh Juhan, who ran alongside goats in a small village called Turkana, like a son. He taught him systematic running techniques and developed him into a world-class athlete.

In October of the following year, Oh Juhan topped the podium at the Gyeongju International Marathon with a time of 2 hours 9 minutes 23 seconds. Having earned a monthly salary of $20 (about 23,000 KRW) for six years at a ranch, he was awarded prize money of 55 million KRW. "I bought goats and cattle for my mother back home. Now, the number has grown to over 100. Everyone in the village envies me."

Oh Juhan wanted to repay Korea for lifting the burden of poverty. Professor Oh suggested challenging for an Olympic medal with Korean nationality. He aimed to achieve both his prot?g?'s success and the revival of Korean marathon running. He also wanted to introduce his hometown, Cheongyang in Chungnam Province, to the world. "Oh Juhan's registered domicile is Cheongyang. It is the most depressed area in Chungnam, with very few people. But they say sports marketing can create great synergy. If this is activated, the local food service industry can also survive."

The naturalization process was not smooth. Many in the athletics community opposed it, claiming it would damage the national sport. A past doping sanction from the International Association of Athletics Federations also hindered him. Oh Juhan received a two-year suspension in 2012 for a positive doping test and only returned in January 2015. The Korea Sports Council's representative selection rules state that "an athlete can only become a representative three years after the suspension is lifted." Thus, his selection for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics was canceled.

Oh Juhan, who showed affection for Korea by wearing a ring with the Taegeuk pattern on his wrist while running, was deeply disappointed. He forgot about marathon running for a while and lamented his fate while drinking daily. With Professor Oh's help, he regained his resolve. Professor Oh even traveled to Kenya to persuade him to pursue naturalization again, and Oh Juhan carefully tied his shoelaces once more. He still clearly remembers the promise made then. "(In 2018) Let's perform well at the Dong-A Marathon and achieve a worthy record. Only then can we change the minds of those opposing naturalization."

Oh Juhan crossed the finish line in 2 hours 6 minutes 57 seconds and wore the laurel crown. That year, he was reborn as a Korean. The following year, he recorded 2 hours 8 minutes 42 seconds at the Gyeongju International Marathon, meeting the qualification standard for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He devoted himself to training in Eldoret, preparing for a new history. Everything was going smoothly. Both his strength and endurance greatly improved, and his speed was also on the rise. However, Professor Oh, who directly conducted his training, passed away from an endemic disease last May.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Oh Juhan, grieving the loss of his 'Korean father,' did not collapse. He only thought of his promise with Professor Oh. Increasing his training intensity, he nurtured his dream of a medal. Professor Oh had said during his lifetime, "He passed the qualifying standard early and prepared for the Tokyo Olympics. He is capable of aiming for third place." The race will be held at 7 a.m. on the 8th in Sapporo, Japan. Oh Juhan must run 42.195 km while battling heat exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. He will overcome it well. His Korean father in heaven will be cheering passionately.

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