SPORTS ZONE 2: Tae Kwon Do Athlete

Tae Kwon Do, a form of martial arts like karate, becomes a new olympic event this year. Ester Kim and Kay Poe, who have been training together since childhood, fought their way to the final match at the olympic trials, where only one would be selected to compete in the olympic games. Poe, who was seen to have superior skill, was expected to win the match.

In the semifinal qualifying match, Poe suffered an injury that was so severe that she was unable to participate in the final match and was forced to forfeit. By default, Kim won the match and was assured a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

Kim, however, had other plans in mind for her friend and training partner. She decided to give up her place on the U.S. Olympic team and gave the opportunity to her friend. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was so touched by Kim's sacrifice that they invited her to Sydney in honor of her gesture.

When Ester Kim arrived at the IOC meeting on Tuesday, September 12, 2000, she was greeted by a standing ovation from Olympic leaders. IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch told the attendees of the meeting, "I would like to congratulate Ester Kim for her lesson of fair play".

Kim said that she was honored to have been invited to Sydney by the IOC committee because of her sacrifice. She stated, "It just came straight out of my heart that day. There was never any regret, never any doubt". Kim told reporters that winning in sport was not the only thing that counts. Click here to tell us what you think about this story!

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