Japan’s ‘forgotten’ Olympic gold medallist: Korean runner, peace activist Sohn Kee-chung
- Marathon winner Sohn Kee-chung hung his head in ‘unbearable humiliation’ when presented with the gold for Japan at the Berlin Olympics in 1936
- But he dedicated his later life to ‘Olympism’ and looked forward to a day when Japan and Korea could leave the past behind and make a fresh start, his son said
Long before American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos made history with their Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympics, another poignant image of silent protest was etched into the conscience of Koreans – and largely forgotten everywhere else.
Worried that his triumph would spark an insurgence among ethnic Koreans, Japan – which ruled Korea from 1910 to 1945 – forbade Sohn from competitive running, kept him under tight surveillance, and even used his celebrated status to recruit young Koreans for its war effort. Sohn called the recruiting the “greatest regret” of his life.
Still, Sohn harboured no resentment toward his former oppressors in later years and dedicated his life to promoting “Olympism” – or peace through sports – particularly between Japan and Korea, his son, Chung-in, said in a recent interview.
“All he wished for was for both sides to recognise what happened in the past so we don’t repeat it, and instead look forward,” he said.
