1. Overview
Jee Yong-Ju (지용주Jee Yong-JuKorean) was a prominent South Korean amateur boxer who achieved significant international success. He is best known for winning a silver medal in the light flyweight division at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City and a gold medal in the flyweight division at the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok. His career was tragically cut short when he died in 1985 due to injuries sustained from a stabbing incident in his hometown.
2. Early Life and Background
q=Wonju, South Korea|position=right
Jee Yong-Ju was born on December 19, 1948, in Wonju, Gangwon-do, South Korea. He was the second son of Ji Se-wan and Lee Gi-soon. Physically, Jee Yong-Ju stood at 62 in (158 cm).
3. Boxing Career
Jee Yong-Ju's boxing career was marked by his dedication as an amateur and his notable achievements on the international stage, culminating in Olympic and Asian Games medals.
3.1. Amateur Career
Jee Yong-Ju began his journey in amateur boxing, where he honed his skills and quickly rose through the ranks. His talent and perseverance led him to represent South Korea in major international competitions.
3.2. Major Achievements
Jee Yong-Ju's most significant accomplishments came in the late 1960s and early 1970s, where he secured medals at both the Olympic Games and the Asian Games.
3.2.1. 1968 Summer Olympics
Jee Yong-Ju competed for South Korea in the light flyweight event at the 1968 Summer Olympics held in Mexico City, Mexico. He demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the tournament, advancing to the final round.
His path to the silver medal included:
- Round of 32:** He defeated Douglas Ogada of Uganda by TKO in the second round.
- Round of 16:** He won against Viktor Zaporozhets of the Soviet Union by a 3-2 decision.
- Quarterfinal:** He secured another victory by a 3-2 decision over Alberto Morales of Mexico.
- Semifinal:** He defeated Hubert Skrzypczak of Poland by a 4-1 decision, earning his place in the final.
In the final match, Jee Yong-Ju faced Francisco Rodriguez of Venezuela. After a closely contested bout, he lost by a 2-3 decision, earning him the silver medal.
3.2.2. 1970 Asian Games
Following his Olympic success, Jee Yong-Ju continued his impressive performance at the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand. There, he competed in the flyweight division and achieved a gold medal, further solidifying his status as a top amateur boxer.
4. Later Life and Career
Jee Yong-Ju retired from competitive boxing in 1976. After his retirement, he transitioned into a coaching role, beginning his career as a boxing instructor at his alma mater in 1977. His dedication to the sport led him to become a South Korean national boxing team coach in 1979. However, his tenure as a national coach was brief, as he resigned in the same year, taking responsibility for an incident involving the collective desertion of the national team.
5. Death
Jee Yong-Ju's life ended tragically due to a violent incident in his hometown.
5.1. Circumstances of Death
On August 20, 1985, Jee Yong-Ju was involved in an altercation with a neighbor in his hometown of Wonju. During the dispute, he was stabbed in the stomach. He succumbed to his injuries five days later, on August 25, 1985, due to excessive bleeding.
6. Posthumous Recognition
In recognition of his contributions to South Korean boxing and his achievements as an Olympic medalist, a commemorative bust of Jee Yong-Ju was erected in 1999 at the Wonju Sports Park in his hometown of Wonju.