In life, there is never a wrong time to do the right thing.
In 1988, boxing great Roy Jones Jr. dominated his gold medal bout against Park Si-Hun at the Seoul Olympics. However, to the astonishment of spectators worldwide, judges declared Park the winner by a narrow 3-2 margin. The controversial decision led to an investigation by Olympic authorities that ultimately changed the way in which Olympic bouts would be scored for years to come.
Immediately following the 1988 decision, Park apologized to Jones, acknowledging his rightful victory. However, Park’s life took a downward spiral as he battled severe depression, facing multiple suicide attempts and the burden of being vilified in his home country, experiences he discussed in depth during a three-hour on-camera interview after the medal’s return.
In May 2023, Park journeyed from South Korea to Jones Jr.’s ranch in Pensacola, Florida, to personally deliver his Seoul Olympic Gold Medal to Jones. Accompanied by his family, Park surprised Jones at his home, relinquishing the medal 35 years after the sports world was stunned by the judges’ decision at the Seoul Olympics.
Jones, believing he was heading to the gym for a routine on-camera interview, was shocked to find Hun standing in the boxing ring. In a heartwarming and emotional scene surrounded by both families, Park greeted Jones and presented him with the Olympic gold medal. “I had the gold medal, but I wanted to give it back to you. It belongs to you,” said Park through his son, who translated the moment. Park then declared, with a laugh, “This gold medal is your problem now.”
Again, there is never a wrong time to do the right thing.
Photo: Blake Jones
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