On August 7, 2024, at the Grand Palais, Park Taejoon of the Republic of Korea clinched the gold medal in the men’s -58kg taekwondo final. He defeated Azerbaijan’s Gashim Magomedov with a score of 2-0.
Both athletes entered the final after impressive performances in their earlier matches. However, less than a minute into the bout, Magomedov injured his left leg and fell to the ground. Medics attended to him, and Park displayed sportsmanship by offering his support.
Despite the injury, the 24-year-old Magomedov tried to continue but fell again with 14 seconds remaining in the first round. He limped back to the mat but was ultimately unable to continue. He collapsed again midway through the second round due to severe pain.
Magomedov expressed his disappointment after the match, saying, “I wanted to make a show, but I couldn’t continue. I tried, but there was too much pain.” Despite the setback, he will receive his first Olympic silver medal.
Park Taejoon, who won the 2023 world championship in the -54kg class, continued his winning streak from his Olympic debut. He celebrated his victory with a gymnastics-like side aerial. “This Olympic gold medal was my very big dream and now I have made my dream come true,” Park said. He also expressed sympathy for his opponent, acknowledging the challenging circumstances Magomedov faced.
