KOMSCO: Former Weightlifter Sangkyun Jeon Heads to France to Reclaim His Bronze Medal

"I believe that justice will ultimately prevail. The Olympics should conclude as the result of fair play and the personal efforts of each athlete."

Former weightlifter Sangkyun Jeon is heading to France to reclaim his bronze medal.

Sangkyun Jeon, deputy director of the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation, is smiling awkwardly at his desk in his office. Deputy Director Jeon is a former weightlifter who participated in the London Olympics. Provided by Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation

According to the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation on July 25, Jeon, who competed in the London Olympics in August 2012, finished fourth in the 105kg+ final at the time.

Jeon lifted a total of 436kg (190kg snatch and 246kg clean and jerk) at the London Olympics, just 12kg behind Russian athlete Ruslan Albegov, who won the bronze medal. Although he felt regret, he accepted the result.

However, a dramatic turn of events occurred after the competition. It was later revealed that Ruslan Albegov had used banned substances. While he passed the doping test at the London Olympics, a re-examination in 2017 exposed his use of prohibited drugs.

As a result, Ruslan Albegov was stripped of his London Olympics bronze medal, which was then naturally reallocated to Jeon, who had finished fourth.

On March 23 of this year, the International Weightlifting Federation officially upgraded Jeon to bronze medalist. On August 9, he will attend the Olympic weightlifting medal ceremony at the Paris Olympics, having been officially invited by the IOC, where he will receive his bronze medal.

Jeon cited the phrase "justice will ultimately prevail" in reference to this incident. It means that results gained through unfair means, rather than fair competition, will eventually be exposed and corrected.

He also expressed his hope that his experience would serve as a valuable lesson for all athletes currently striving to compete in the Olympics.

Jeon has since retired from weightlifting and now works at the Currency Headquarters of the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation. Although he now leads the life of an ordinary office worker, he continues to enjoy teaching his colleagues proper weightlifting techniques in the gym after work.

Jeon's child is currently pursuing the path of a weightlifter, aiming to achieve the Olympic gold medal that eluded their father. During his athletic career, Jeon won a bronze medal at the 2011 World Weightlifting Championships in Paris and a silver medal at the 2012 Asian Championships in Pyeongtaek.

Sung Changhoon, president of the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation, said, "I remember the fighting spirit and passion Jeon displayed at the London Olympics, which inspired and gave hope to the people of Korea," adding, "The corporation is proud to support Jeon's passion, and we share the confidence that any challenge can be overcome."