Park Sang-young

2.1. Childhood and Introduction to Fencing

Park was introduced to fencing during his middle school years. The sport's inherent cost, particularly for equipment, posed a significant financial challenge for his family, nearly forcing him to abandon his burgeoning career. However, he received vital financial assistance from a non-profit charity. His admission to Gyeongnam Physical Education High School (경남체육고등학교_{Gyeongnam Cheyuk Godeunghakgyo}^Korean), a public school specializing in sports, further enabled him to continue training and competing in fencing. During his first year at Gyeongnam Physical Education High School, he won first place in the individual épée category at the national high school championships, demonstrating his early talent.

2.2. Academic Background

Park Sang-young's educational journey spans from elementary school through university. He attended Jinju Baeyeong Elementary School and Jinju Jeil Middle School, both located in Jinju, South Korea. Following his middle school education, he enrolled in and graduated from Gyeongnam Physical Education High School, which allowed him to intensively pursue fencing. He later continued his academic and athletic pursuits at Korea National Sport University, from which he also graduated.

3.1. Junior Career and Early Achievements

Park began his competitive career as a junior fencer, quickly making a name for himself. In 2012, he became the junior world champion in Moscow, marking a historic achievement as the first South Korean male junior fencer to win a medal in the épée event at this competition. His exceptional performance continued into his high school years, where he won the national high school championships in the individual épée category during his first year. By 2013, he achieved a rare feat for a high school student by qualifying for the senior national team after winning the national championship. This was particularly notable as fencers typically gained experience at the collegiate level before advancing to the national team. His rapid rise led him to be dubbed a "monster rookie," as he garnered headlines by narrowly defeating seasoned veterans such as Kweon Young-jun and Jung Jin-sun.

3.2. Senior Career Development

Park transitioned to the senior category during the 2013-14 season, immediately making an impact. He secured victories at the 2014 Doha Grand Prix and the 2014 Bern Grand Prix, establishing his presence on the international stage. As a member of the South Korean team, he earned a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Fencing Championships held in Suwon and another gold at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon. He also contributed to a silver medal win at the 2014 World Fencing Championships. By the end of this season, Park was ranked as the world number three fencer.

The 2014-15 season presented significant challenges for Park. He sustained a knee injury while competing against Pavel Pitra of the Czech Republic in the table of 16 at the March Grand Prix in Budapest, Hungary. This injury necessitated a hiatus from competition, preventing his participation in both the 2015 Asian Fencing Championships and the World Fencing Championships. Park returned to the competitive circuit approximately a year later, demonstrating his resilience by winning a bronze medal at the Vancouver World Cup in February 2016, a crucial step towards his Olympic aspirations.

3.3. 2016 Rio Olympics Gold Medal

Park Sang-young's most celebrated achievement came at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where he won the gold medal in the individual épée event, marked by a dramatic comeback in the final match.

In the Round of 32, Park defeated Pavel Sukhov of Russia with a score of 15 to 11. Sukhov had previously faced South Korea's Jung Jin-sun in the Round of 32 at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where he was also defeated, and again lost to Park in the Round of 16 at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Advancing to the Round of 16, Park faced Enrico Garozzo of Italy, who had previously overcome Jung Jin-sun, the bronze medalist from the London Olympics' men's épée individual event. Despite a head-to-head record of 1 win and 2 losses against Garozzo before the match, Park secured a 15-12 victory. The match saw a tense moment when Park led 11-7 but allowed Garozzo to tie the score at 11-11, yet Park calmly regrouped to win. Enrico Garozzo's younger brother, Daniele Garozzo, went on to win the gold medal in the men's foil individual event at the same Olympics.

In the quarter-finals, Park faced Swiss épée star Max Heinzer, whom he decisively defeated 15-4. Heinzer made several unforced errors from the start, including crossing the piste line, which contributed to his loss.

The semi-finals saw Park compete against another Swiss fencer, Benjamin Steffen, whom he comfortably beat 15-9, securing his place in the gold medal match.

The final against Imre Géza of Hungary was a nail-biting encounter. Park found himself trailing significantly, with the score at 14-10 in favor of Géza, placing him on the verge of defeat. However, Park mounted an extraordinary comeback, scoring five consecutive touches to win 15-14 and claim the Olympic gold medal.

• For the 11th point, he capitalized on his opponent's incoming blade, deflecting it to the right and hitting the arm.
• The 12th point was secured with an octave parry followed by a riposte.
• The 13th point came from winning a remise (a continuous action after a disengagement or blade contact) exchange.
• The 14th point was achieved with an octave (a parry where the blade is wrapped from top to bottom in a counter-clockwise direction for a right-handed fencer), successfully attacking.
• For the decisive 15th point, Park executed a quick and precise preparation before delivering a direct pointe (a fundamental attack in fencing) to seal the victory.

This victory was historic as Park became the first South Korean male fencer to compete in an Olympic men's individual épée final and the first to win a gold medal in the event. Previously, two other South Korean fencers, coach Lee Sang-ki and Jung Jin-sun, had reached the final stage of the Olympic men's épée competition.

3.4. Post-2016 Olympic Career

Following his historic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Park Sang-young continued his career in international fencing, maintaining his presence at elite competitions. He participated in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where he earned a bronze medal in the men's team épée event. His post-2016 career also includes continued participation and medal wins at World Championships, Asian Games, Asian Championships, Grand Prix events, and World Cup events, further solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the sport.

4.1. Olympic Games

4.2. World Championships

4.3. Junior World Championships

4.4. Asian Games

4.5. Asian Championships

4.6. Grand Prix

4.7. World Cup

5.1. University Life and Relationships

Park Sang-young is an alumnus of Korea National Sport University. During his time at the university, he forged close relationships with fellow athletes. One of his notable contemporaries and close friends at the university was Jun Woong-tae, a renowned pentathlete.

5.2. Public and Commercial Activities

Park's prominence as an Olympic gold medalist led to various public and commercial engagements. In 2016, following his Olympic success, he appeared in advertising campaigns for major brands. These included an advertisement for Ottogi's Jin Ramen and a campaign for SC First Bank.

6.1. Sporting Impact and Recognition

Park Sang-young's gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro had a profound impact on fencing in South Korea, elevating the sport's profile. His dramatic comeback in the final match, frequently summarized by his mantra "Can do it" (할 수 있다_{hal su itda}^Korean), resonated deeply with the public and became a source of national inspiration. This victory marked a historic moment for South Korean fencing, as he became the first male fencer from the country to win an individual Olympic gold medal in épée. His consistent performance at the highest level, including multiple Asian and World Championship medals, has solidified his status as one of South Korea's most successful fencers and an inspiration for aspiring athletes.

6.2. Criticism and Controversies

There have been no widely reported criticisms or controversies related to Park Sang-young's actions, decisions, or public image throughout his career. His public persona has largely remained positive, focusing on his athletic achievements and resilient spirit.