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Sohn Kee-chung (Son Kitei) wins 1936 gold medal...
Sohn Kee-chung (Son Kitei) wins 1936 gold medal...
Item # 720219
August 10, 1936
LEOMINSTER DAILY ENTERPRISE, Mass., Aug. 10, 1936
* Sohn Kee-chung - Son Kitei
* Wins gold medal in marathon
* 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics
* Jesse Owens vs. Nazi Germnay fame
The top of page 5 has a two column heading: "Kitei Son Wins Marathon Giving Japan Most Prized Crown of 1936 Olympics" with subhead. (see images)
Complete with all 8 pages, light toning and very minor wear at the margins, nice condition.
AI notes: At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Sohn Kee-chung, a Korean marathon runner, won the gold medal in the men’s marathon, completing the race in 2 hours, 29 minutes, and 19.2 seconds, setting a new Olympic record. Because Korea was under Japanese occupation, he was forced to compete under the Japanese name Kitei Son and officially represent Japan, though he remained a symbol of Korean national pride. During the medal ceremony, Sohn bowed his head in silent protest when the Japanese flag was raised and anthem played, a subtle act of resistance that resonated deeply with Koreans. His achievement was celebrated secretly in Korea, and the newspaper Dong-A Ilbo was temporarily suspended for publishing a photo of Sohn with the Japanese flag on his uniform deliberately obscured. Sohn went on to have a distinguished career as a coach and sports official, mentoring future marathoners, and in a historic recognition of his legacy, he carried the Olympic torch at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, symbolizing both athletic excellence and the enduring spirit of Korean independence.
Category: The 20th Century
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