Former Korean national weightlifter Jeon Sang-guen will participate in the weightlifting medal ceremony at the 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled for Aug. 9, where he will receive his belated 2012 London Olympic bronze medal, according to the Korea Minting and Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corp. (KOMSCO), Thursday.
The state-run minting agency company was Jeon’s team sponsor during his days as an athlete.
In August 2012, Ruslan Albegov of Russia originally took the bronze medal with a total of 448 kilograms in the men’s +105 kilograms event, while Jeon finished in fourth place at 436 kilograms.
Jeon’s medal upgrade was decided by the International Weightlifting Federation on March 23 this year as Albegov’s bronze medal was invalidated due to a doping violation.
Albegov had passed the doping test during the London Olympics, but the re-test conducted in 2017 revealed his use of banned substances.
“I think this case shows that justice prevails in the end,” Jeon said. “The Olympics should adhere to the spirit of fair play and personal effort. I hope this serves as a lesson for the athletes who are currently working hard and sweating to prepare for the Olympics.”
During his days as an athlete, Jeon won a bronze medal at the 2011 World Championships in Paris and a silver medal at the 2012 Asian Championships.
Jeon, who retired from sports, is currently employed at KOMSCO.
After work, he actively guides his colleagues on proper weightlifting techniques in the fitness room and shares tips on handling 커뮤니티 heavy materials, earning strong respect and admiration from his peers, according to the company.
“The determination and passion that Jeon demonstrated at the Olympics inspired and gave hope to all of us,” KOMSCO CEO Sung Chang-hoon said. “It has also instilled in our company the confidence that we can overcome significant challenges.”