Tom Kim apologizes to his country and fans after painfull Olympics loss, shares emotional note as he failed to avoid mandatory military service
Tom Kim experienced heartbreak at the 2024 Olympics as he fell short of winning a medal, which could have helped him delay his mandatory military term. Following his tough loss, Kim wrote an apology note to his South Korean fans and promised to work harder in the future.
Ahead of the final day at the 2024 Olympics, Kim was in contention for the gold medal. However, he fell short after shooting 3-under 68 in the final round. He finished at 13-under after four rounds and placed solo eighth.
Following his defeat, Tom Kim posted a note on Instagram apologizing to his fans. He wrote:
"First of all, I would like to thank my beloved Heavenly Father, who always wants to give glory to me when I succeed and fail in life. I am so grateful that you always teach me humbly as a person and a golfer, and guide me on my path, and that you are my greatest strength in difficult situations."
He further wrote that since Koreans hadn't won any medals in golf so far, he and Byeong Hun An had made up their minds to win a medal for the country this time.
"However, I am really sorry that I could not do that, and I feel a greater sense of responsibility. I am very sorry to all the Korean fans who cheered me on passionately both on-site and in Korea for not getting the results they wanted, and I will work harder. Thank you."
He then congratulated his good friend and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler for winning the gold medal.
"I cherish our moments, but this one was very special," he added. "Despite what he had done, what you said to me after our round meant everything to me. Happy for you and your team. Congrats Pards.
Tom Kim also thanked the South Korean Golf Federation for their support throughout the Paris Olympics. He added that it was hard to express in words the honor he felt wearing the Korean national flag and competing in the Olympics.
"I shed tears after the first game. Even when I won, I didn't cry, but seeing myself shedding tears really motivates me. I will stand on this stage again. I promise," he concluded.
A look at Tom Kim's performance at the 2024 Olympics
Tom Kim started the week at the 2024 Olympics with a 5-under 66 and followed it with a 3-under 68 on Friday, August 2. After 36 holes, he was just four strokes off the lead and looking good ahead of the weekend.
However, in the third round, Kim slipped a spot after shooting a 2-under 69. On the final day at Le Golf National, he began well with four birdies on the front nine. His first bogey of the day came on the par-3 11th, but he compensated with two birdies on the next four holes. He was still in medal contention but failed to pick up another birdie. Instead, he made a double bogey on the 72nd hole.