1. Early Life and Education
Do Gyeong-dong's early life and academic journey were shaped by his introduction to fencing, an activity he began during his middle school years that would eventually lead him to national and international prominence.
1.1. Birth and Background
Do Gyeong-dong was born on August 19, 1999, in Yeongcheon, a city located in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
1.2. School Years and Fencing Introduction
Do began his fencing journey while attending Osung Middle School in Daegu. He continued to hone his skills at Osung High School, where he specialized in sabre fencing under the guidance of coach Lee Seung-yong, who himself was an Olympian, having participated in the 1992 Summer Olympics. Following his high school education, Do enrolled at Dong-Eui University in Busan, where he pursued studies in physical education.
2. Amateur and Early National Career
Do Gyeong-dong's initial years in fencing were marked by significant achievements in junior categories, leading to his selection for the national team and early international exposure.
2.1. Junior Career and U-23 National Team
In 2019, during his second year at Dong-Eui University, Do played a key role in his university's fencing team, helping them secure a runner-up position at the national championships. His impressive performance led to his selection for the South Korean U-23 national team. That same year, in October, he competed at the Asian U-23 Championships held in Bangkok, Thailand. At this event, Do Gyeong-dong showcased his emerging talent by winning two gold medals: one in the individual sabre event and another in the team event, marking a successful debut on the international junior stage.
2.2. Senior National Team Debut
Do Gyeong-dong's consistent performance in domestic tournaments paved the way for his entry into the senior national team. In 2021, after reaching the semifinals of the prestigious President's Cup National Championships, he was officially named to the South Korean national fencing team. His senior international debut occurred in November of that year, when he competed for the national team at the International Grand Prix in Orléans, France, where he secured a respectable 16th place. His strong showing continued into 2022, as he participated in the World Cup held in Algiers, Algeria in November. There, he helped the South Korean team achieve a runner-up finish in the team event.
3. Military Service and International Competitions
Do Gyeong-dong's career continued to progress even during his period of military service, during which he maintained his athletic activities and earned a significant international medal.
3.1. Enlistment and Athletic Activities
In April 2023, Do Gyeong-dong enlisted in the South Korean military, joining the Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps. This allowed him to continue his rigorous fencing training and competition schedule while fulfilling his national service duties. His enlistment demonstrated the South Korean system's support for athletes to maintain their careers during military service.
3.2. 2023 Summer World University Games
While serving in the military, Do Gyeong-dong represented South Korea at the Summer World University Games (also known as the Universiade), which took place in Chengdu, China, in July 2023. In the individual sabre event, he finished in 24th place. However, he made a more significant impact in the team event, where he collaborated with teammates Park Sang-won, Seong Hyeon-mo, and Hwang Hyun-ho. Together, they secured a silver medal for South Korea, finishing second only to Italy.
4. 2024 Paris Olympics
The pinnacle of Do Gyeong-dong's career to date was his gold medal-winning performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he played a crucial role in the men's team sabre event.
4.1. Selection and Preparation
Following his impressive performances in both domestic and international circuits, Do Gyeong-dong was selected to compete as a member of the men's sabre national team for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The team underwent intensive preparation, aiming to continue South Korea's strong legacy in men's sabre fencing on the Olympic stage.
4.2. Men's Team Sabre Gold Medal
Do Gyeong-dong's most notable contribution came during the final match of the men's team sabre event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Although he had been an unused reserve in the quarterfinals and semifinals, he was called into action as a substitute during the intensely competitive final against Hungary. He entered the match at a critical juncture when South Korea held a narrow lead of 30-29. Demonstrating exceptional composure and skill, Do Gyeong-dong scored five consecutive points against Hungarian fencer Krisztián Rabb without conceding any points himself. This decisive scoring run proved to be a pivotal moment, ultimately securing South Korea's 45-41 victory and earning them the Olympic gold medal. His ability to deliver under immense pressure cemented his status as a key player in the "world's strongest" South Korean men's sabre team.
5. Post-Olympic Activities and Recognition
Following his historic Olympic gold medal win, Do Gyeong-dong received significant public recognition and experienced changes in his military service status, alongside continuing his competitive fencing career.
5.1. Subsequent Competitions and Early Military Discharge
The gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics brought a significant benefit to Do Gyeong-dong: an early military discharge. Due to his Olympic achievement, he was discharged from the military two months earlier than scheduled, a common recognition for South Korean athletes who achieve major international sporting success while serving. Later in 2024, he continued his competitive streak, winning individual national championships at both the President's Cup and the National Team Selection Tournament, further solidifying his position as a leading fencer in South Korea.
6. External links
- [https://fie.org/athletes/53474 Do Gyeong-dong at the International Fencing Federation]