The Final Nomination: Overcoming Doubts on the Road to Seoul
A Defining Moment in My Olympic Journey
On the path to the second and final nomination for the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, I faced a defining moment—one that would shape both my sports career and my life.
After battling through the first round of challenges, the final hurdle stood before me.
The road was far from easy—filled with doubts, uncertainties, and moments of reflection. But the experiences I gathered along the way shaped my resilience, sharpened my focus, and solidified my determination.
With Concerns – But Mission Accomplished
The tournament in France was a unique challenge.
After a series of intense matches and a victory at the Seoul Cup, I faced an opponent who exploited my physical exhaustion with precision.
His reach and tactics overwhelmed me. Despite all my preparation and unrelenting training, it wasn't enough.
This defeat was a painful blow—and for a moment, even those around me questioned my Olympic potential.
But that very loss was an awakening. It revealed the truth of competitive sports:
Losses are not endings—they are growth opportunities.
Learning from Defeat: A Shift in Mindset
I realized that my journey would not be defined solely by victories.
It was the defeats that taught me the most valuable lessons:
- Resilience under pressure
- The power of reflection
- The ability to demand more from myself
The question changed—from “Do I want to be an Olympic champion?” to
“How do I win my next fight?”
This shift in mindset brought me closer to my goal than ever before.
A Coach’s Trust – A Pivotal Turning Point
As the day of the final decision approached, I could sense my coach’s doubts.
But despite the uncertainty and the weight of expectation, he made a crucial choice:
He took me with him to Seoul.
He saw in me not just an athlete—but a fighter willing to give everything.
That decision marked a turning point.
The final nomination was more than a formality—it was a symbol of trust, of overcoming doubt, and a powerful affirmation of my belief in myself.
I had proven that I didn’t just know what I was capable of—
I was ready to show the world what I was made of.
From Preparation to Triumph: Lessons for Business Leaders
Insights Along the Way
1. Flexibility and Adaptability
Facing an opponent who exposed specific weaknesses highlights the need for adaptability.
In business, this means:
- Being able to respond quickly to unforeseen challenges
- Adjusting strategies to remain competitive
- Staying agile in dynamic environments
2. Learning from Mistakes
The realization that defeats offer valuable lessons applies directly to the corporate world.
Instead of fearing failure, companies should:
- Treat setbacks as learning opportunities
- Extract strategic insights
- Continuously refine and improve
3. Focus on the Next Step
Shifting focus from long-term dreams to the next achievable milestone is a powerful strategy.
While vision is essential, success comes from:
- Tackling short-term goals with intensity
- Staying present and proactive
- Building momentum step by step
