Chasing Gold: My Journey with Korea's Gold Medalists

There’s something about the Olympics that draws you in—the energy, the unity, the feeling that the world is watching, holding its breath for that one perfect moment. As someone who’s always been fascinated by stories of perseverance, grit, and passion, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to travel to the Olympics and follow the Korean national team’s journey—especially our gold medalists.

The atmosphere was electric from the moment I arrived. Walking through the bustling crowds, surrounded by fans from all over the world, I could feel the anticipation in the air. For Korea, this wasn’t just about winning medals. It was about representing the strength, resilience, and pride of a nation on the global stage. And I wanted to be part of that story—to see how our athletes, after years of dedication, would rise to the challenge.

My first stop was the archery finals, where Korea has a legendary reputation. As I watched our team step onto the field, the focus and precision in their eyes were undeniable. The crowd hushed as they took their positions, the tension building with each drawn bow. Then, with the release of the arrows—gold. Watching our archers hit the bullseye, their calm determination transforming into jubilation, was a moment I’ll never forget. It wasn’t just about winning; it was the culmination of years of sacrifice and relentless training.

From there, I followed the journey of our Taekwondo team. Taekwondo, Korea’s national martial art, holds a special place in our hearts. Seeing our athletes step into the ring, representing not just themselves but the entire history of the sport, was deeply emotional. Each kick, block, and counter wasn’t just a technique—it was a testament to their discipline, a reflection of the strength of their spirit. When the final match ended with our athlete victorious and draped in the Korean flag, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with pride.

But beyond the victories, it was the personal stories that stayed with me. I met some of the athletes afterward, and hearing them talk about their journeys was inspiring. These weren’t just athletes; they were people who had faced countless setbacks, injuries, and moments of doubt. They spoke of their families, their coaches, and the communities that believed in them when they didn’t believe in themselves.

One conversation that stood out was with a swimmer who had just won gold. He told me about waking up before dawn every day for years, swimming endless laps in the pool, often questioning whether the sacrifices were worth it. But in that moment, standing on the podium with the medal around his neck, everything clicked into place. The doubts, the struggles—they all led to this moment of triumph, and for him, it was more than just personal victory. It was about showing the world what Korea could achieve.

As I followed each of our gold medalists, one theme became clear: resilience. It wasn’t just about the glory of the win but about everything it took to get there. The behind-the-scenes moments of doubt, the times they had to push through pain or disappointment—those were the moments that shaped them. And being there to witness their victories made me reflect on my own journey.

I had quit my job to find a new direction, to step into the unknown and figure out what truly mattered to me. And watching these athletes push through their own challenges reminded me that success isn’t always about the final outcome—it’s about the journey, the effort, and the decision to keep going, no matter how tough it gets.

The Olympics was more than just a global sporting event. For me, it was a reminder of what it means to dedicate yourself to something bigger than yourself. Whether it’s representing a country, a personal dream, or a passion, the lesson is the same: keep pushing, keep fighting, and believe in the possibility of victory—even when it feels out of reach.

As I left the stadium after watching the final event, I knew one thing for sure: I may not be an Olympic athlete, but I’m on my own journey, and the lessons I learned from these gold medalists will stay with me for a long time.

Here’s to resilience, to never giving up, and to celebrating the wins—big or small—along the way.

— Na-ra