# Park Tae-Hwan > South Korean swimmer **Wikidata**: [Q316523](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q316523) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park_Tae-hwan) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/park-tae-hwan ## Summary Park Tae-Hwan is a South Korean swimmer, widely recognized for his achievements in competitive swimming, including multiple Olympic and world championship medals. He is one of South Korea's most celebrated athletes, having brought global attention to Korean swimming through his performances in freestyle events. ## Biography - Born: September 27, 1989 - Nationality: South Korea - Education: Attended Dankook University, a private South Korean university known for its academic and athletic programs - Known for: Being a decorated Olympic and world-class swimmer representing South Korea in international competitions - Employer(s): Represented South Korea in international swimming events; affiliated with institutions such as Dankook University - Field(s): Competitive swimming, freestyle events ## Contributions Park Tae-Hwan has made significant contributions to the sport of swimming through his competitive performances and representation of South Korea on the global stage. His achievements include: - Winning South Korea's first individual Olympic swimming gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 400m freestyle. - Setting multiple world records in long course freestyle events, including the 400m and 200m. - Earning medals at the World Aquatics Championships, including gold in the 400m freestyle in 2011. - Competing in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, where he continued to be a top contender in freestyle events. - Serving as a role model and inspiration for young swimmers in South Korea and beyond. ## FAQs ### What are Park Tae-Hwan's most notable achievements? Park Tae-Hwan is best known for winning the gold medal in the 400m freestyle at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, becoming the first South Korean to win an individual Olympic swimming gold. He also set world records in the 400m and 200m freestyle events and won multiple medals at the World Aquatics Championships. ### Where did Park Tae-Hwan study? He was educated at Dankook University, a well-known private university in South Korea that has produced many notable athletes and scholars. ### What records has Park Tae-Hwan set? Park Tae-Hwan set world records in the 400m and 200m long course freestyle events. His 400m freestyle world record was particularly significant, as it marked the first time an Asian swimmer had held the record in that event. ### What impact has Park Tae-Hwan had on swimming in South Korea? As the first South Korean to win an individual Olympic swimming gold, Park Tae-Hwan significantly raised the profile of swimming in South Korea and inspired a new generation of swimmers. His success contributed to increased interest and investment in the sport within the country. ### Did Park Tae-Hwan compete in multiple Olympics? Yes, Park Tae-Hwan competed in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympic Games, winning medals in multiple events, including a silver in the 200m freestyle at the 2012 London Olympics. ## Why They Matter Park Tae-Hwan's impact on swimming, particularly in South Korea, is profound. As the first South Korean to win an individual Olympic swimming gold, he not only elevated the sport's profile in his home country but also inspired countless young swimmers. His achievements helped establish South Korea as a competitive force in international swimming and contributed to the development of aquatic sports infrastructure and youth programs in the country. His legacy includes influencing policy changes in training and athlete development, and his story remains a symbol of perseverance and excellence in South Korean sports history. ## Notable For - First South Korean to win an individual Olympic swimming gold medal (2008, 400m freestyle) - Holder of multiple world records in long course freestyle events - Competed in three consecutive Summer Olympics (2008, 2012, 2016) - Won gold in the 400m freestyle at the 2011 World Aquatics Championships - Studied at Dankook University, known for its strong athletic programs - Became a role model for aspiring swimmers in South Korea and Asia ## Body ### Early Life and Education Park Tae-Hwan was born on September 27, 1989. He attended Dankook University, which has a strong association with elite athletic development. The university is known for its contributions to Korean sports, and Park's time there helped shape his career as a professional swimmer. ### Career Park Tae-Hwan's career is marked by several historic achievements: - In 2008, he won the gold medal in the 400m freestyle at the Beijing Olympics, becoming the first South Korean to win an individual Olympic swimming gold. - He also won a silver medal in the 200m freestyle at the same Olympics, further solidifying his status as a top-tier swimmer. - In 2011, he reclaimed the world record in the 400m freestyle and won gold at the World Aquatics Championships. - Park competed in the 2012 London Olympics, where he earned a silver medal in the 200m freestyle and a bronze in the 400m freestyle. - At the 2016 Rio Olympics, he continued to be a top contender, advancing the visibility of South Korean swimming. ### Contributions to Sport Park Tae-Hwan's contributions include: - Elevating the profile of swimming in South Korea and Asia. - Inspiring youth engagement in swimming through his performances. - Influencing the development of South Korean swimming infrastructure and training programs. - Serving as a global ambassador for freestyle swimming and setting benchmarks in international competition. ### Legacy and Influence Park Tae-Hwan's legacy includes inspiring a generation of swimmers in South Korea and contributing to the global recognition of Korean athletes. His achievements opened doors for future Korean swimmers and influenced national and international swimming policies. His story is a symbol of dedication, excellence, and national pride in the field of competitive swimming. ### Representation and Recognition Park Tae-Hwan's representation of South Korea in major international competitions, including the Olympics and World Championships, has made him a household name. His success has been recognized with numerous awards and honors in South Korea, and his influence continues to resonate in the sports community. ### Personal Records and Achievements - 2008 Olympics: Gold in 400m freestyle, Silver in 200m freestyle - 2011 World Championships: Gold in 400m freestyle, setting a world record - 2012 Olympics: Silver in 200m freestyle, Bronze in 400m freestyle - 2016 Olympics: Continued to represent South Korea at the highest level Park Tae-Hwan remains one of the most influential swimmers in South Korean history, with his achievements continuing to inspire athletes and fans alike. ## References 1. swimrankings.net 2. World Aquatics 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013