South Korean golfer Tom Kim was fiercely competing for a podium finish at this week’s 2024 Paris Olympics, held at Le Golf National’s Albatross golf course.
A medal win would have granted him an exemption from the mandatory 21-month military service, a privilege reserved for athletes who excel in prestigious competitions.
Kim eventually finished in 8th place, four strokes behind the bronze medalist. Unfortunately, a bogey on the 11th and a double bogey on the 18th hole derailed his bid for a top-three finish.
After completing his round, the 22-year-old went to the tent to sign his scorecard. He was quite emotional in the end and couldn’t hold back his tears, as the camera captured him wiping his tears and signing a golf ball.
mandatory military service. pic.twitter.com/4I7X0WGMhP
Previously, Tom Kim’s countrymen, Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim, faced a similar situation as they missed a podium finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, they’re managed to get an exemption from the mandatory military service as they clinched gold at the 2023 Asian Games in China.
“Never been really emotional after a round. I think these emotions are surprising but I think it’s just all the hard work I’ve done this year to put myself in this position, those things are coming out. Just the things Scottie said to me after the round really kind of came out and I’m just trying to hold it together,” Kim revealed.
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