Dramatic Victory Signals New Beginning for Lee Bong-ju

Ratings of 11.9 Percent for Lee’s Victory, while SK’s Korean Series Win had a 10.0 Percent Viewership-

In the 2007 Seoul International Marathon, Lee Bong-ju (37, Samsung Electronics) sealed a dramatic come-from-behind victory over Paul Kiprop Kirui to win the event.

In both this race and the 78th Donga Marathon, where Lee Bong-joo touched fans and moved onlookers, there was a whopping viewership rate of 11.9 percent (AGB Nielsen Media Research). Even when SK surprised baseball fans with a dramatic victory over Doosan in game six of the Korean Series finals, the rating was only 10.0 percent (TNS Media Korea). Both sporting events were broadcast by MBC.

The numbers says it all. Lee was the center of attention as the entire nation had their eyes fixated on the marathon. A father of two, Lee is considered to be past his prime in terms of physical abilities. Despite the odds of time being stacked against him, Lee pushed on to beat 21 of the finest Kenyan marathoners and came out on top.

Lee was already 30m behind the leader at the 38.5km point. At a point where most would have given up pursuing the leader, Lee pulled off the unthinkable. As he relentlessly pushed himself to catch up to the leader, Koreans everywhere stood and cheered for him through their television sets. As Lee caught up with Kirui in front of Jamsil Stadium, viewers everywhere exploded with a loud cheer, and a thunderous series of applause. Lee clocked in at two hours, eight minutes, and four seconds, to best Kirui (two hours, eight minutes, and 29 seconds) and celebrated this dramatic upset victory.

The Seoul International Marathon was perceived by many as one of the last competitions for Lee, but instead it became a turning point for the remainder of his career. With the latest victory, Lee had the third best time of his career, behind the two hours, seven, minutes and 20 seconds Korean-best record he set in the 2000 Tokyo Marathon.

It is also the best record by a Korean marathon runner in an international competition held in Korea. This is a significant win for Lee, as it has been six years since his last international marathon win (2001 Boston Marathon). It is the first time in 12 years for him to win the Dong-A Marathon, and it is also the first time for him to wear the laurels since winning the gold in the 2002 Busan Asian Games.

After Lee Bong-ju clinched the victory, he said, “I will be back for the Olympic gold medal.” The statement is proof that he has regained the confidence he once had during his prime. With his latest record at the Seoul International Marathon, he has earned the right to compete in the Beijing Olympics. He will be running again in the 2008 Seoul International Marathon and will try to break the Korean record before heading to Beijing. In the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Lee had to settle for silver, and he has been hungry to go for the gold once more.

Lee has run 35 full courses so far. Still, he is determined to run as long as there is breath in his lungs. Korea’s golden child of marathon, Lee Bong-ju, has continued to work hard to stay in tiptop condition. His unyielding effort and selfless dedication continue to win appraisals from his compatriots.

yjongk@donga.com