Taekwondo Coach Mun Dae-seong Returns As Athlete

Olympic gold medalist Mun Dae-seong is restarting his career as a Taekwondo athlete. He now coaches a University team.

His spinning kick knocked out his opponent in the finals of the 2004 Athens Olympics. He then retired and started a new coaching career. Now he will come back to compete in the next Olympics in Beijing.

In a telephone interview with the Dong-A Ilbo yesterday, he said, “Folks around me have encouraged me. They insisted that I continue my career. I myself wish to compete in the Olympics again.”

Teaching his team for the last three years, Mun reportedly gained the confidence that he could be a top athlete again. In the 80kg weight class, no athlete has stood out so far since his retirement.

Mun, however, will have to compete against younger players. He will have to prove himself in the upcoming Olympic qualifiers.

beetlez@donga.com