Inspiration from the Legend: Park Tae-hwan

The Unsung Hero: Park Tae-hwan

In the recent episode of the beloved show, “신상출시 편스토랑 (New Release, Fun-Staurant)”, audiences were moved by the heartfelt story of Park Tae-hwan, a renowned South Korean swimmer who has dedicated his life to the sport since the tender age of five.

#### A Tale of Dedication and Sacrifice

Park Tae-hwan’s journey is a testament to sheer determination and familial love. Known for breaking numerous records, Park revealed the skeleton of his success story, underscored by memories filled with rigorous training routines that stretched from 4 AM until late at night.

> “It was like carrying a whip at all times, devoid of any carrots along the way,” Park confessed, reminiscing about the times the pressure felt overwhelming. Yet, it was not just the pursuit of accolades that drove him; it was a profound sense of duty toward his family.

#### A Tribute to Family

Park Tae-hwan’s narrative is not singular about personal glory. A touching exchange with his sister during the show highlighted a personal side often eclipsed by his sports achievements. His sister expressed her heartfelt concern saying, “You’ve spent more time in water than on land. Now, savor the little pleasures in life.”

It was Park’s family, especially his mother battling cancer, that fueled his relentless pursuit. “Winning titles was secondary to me. I had to do everything possible for my family. My mother’s pain was always far greater than mine,” he recalled.

#### Celebrating Triumph

Surprisingly, Park’s joy derived not from his gold medals but from gifting a house to his parents. This gesture echoed amongst fans and viewers alike, eliciting admiration for the ‘National Hero’ who doubled as a ‘National Son’.

##### A Heartwarming Episode

The episode further showcased heartwarming familial moments with celebrity Ki Eun-se, who delighted her brother with a home-cooked meal. Meanwhile, a culinary showdown among guests including Park Tae-hwan kept audiences enthralled, with Jang Shin-young’s delectable dish earning top honors.

Catch “신상출시 편스토랑 (New Release, Fun-Staurant)” every Friday at 8:30 PM on KBS 2TV for more inspiring tales and delicious recipes.