I imagine it feels pretty wonderful to be Michael Phelps right about now, but South Korea’s Park Tae-hwan will probably remember the Beijing Olympics forever as well, as he earned the first gold medal ever in swimming for his country. At just 18 years-old, he won the men 400m freestyle this week. (Start watching around 3:35 in the clip above to see him pull ahead at the end of the race.)
On top of that victory, he swam to a silver medal in the 200m freestyle Monday. Last year, Park also won gold in the 400m and bronze in the 200m at the World Championships last year.
Park can probably credit at least part of his success to his asthma, since doctors recommended the therapeutic breathing effects of swimming to his parents when he was a young asthmatic.
Fun Fact
In Athens, Park was only 14 and the youngest member of the South Korean Olympic swim team.
More
NBC Olympics Profile of Park Tae-hwan
Digital Chosunilbo feature on Park Tae-hwan
**Part of a special, weeklong feature on asthmatic Olympians and the incredible athletic feats they accomplish despite their breathing problems.**
It was awesome to read about Park Tae-hawn. I did not know he had asthma. My brother had asthma and my Mother babied him. When my son had asthma I was determined not to baby him. Swimming was one of his favorite sports and at age 12 he swam 13-miles in a swim team contest. Swimming has been a godsend for his health.
Dr. Nate, Axel Anaruk’s brother from another mother.
I’m not sure how much his asthma still affects him, but I think his victory–and all the asthmatic athletes’ victories, actually–is pretty inspiring.
Thanks for stopping by!