Judo gold medalist wins US presidential award
By Kwon Ji-youn
Ha Hyoung-zoo
Ha Hyoung-zoo, a 1984 Los Angeles Olympic gold medalist and professor at Dong-A University, received a U.S. presidential award, the university announced Wednesday.
Ha, 51, won the Presidential Champions Gold Medal, for enhancing exchanges among Korean and young American athletes.
Ha has hosted international judo tournaments in Busan. He has invited athletes from the U.S. and other countries to take part in the tournaments, helping them build ties and share information with each other.
“I am a little bewildered to have been granted this award,” Ha said. “All I did was what I needed to do. But I am thankful that they have recognized my efforts, in any sense.”
Ha began training in judo after transferring to Busan Sport High School.
From 2004 to 2007, Ha taught at the San Francisco State University as an exchange professor. He also gave special lectures at Michigan State University, Idaho State University and other colleges. His lectures were on judo techniques and theory.
The Presidential Champions Gold Medal is usually granted to those who actively take part in sporting activities. Ha won for his efforts in promoting youth’s participation in sports, especially working toward increased exchange between Korean and American young competitors.
The award has a number of different categories - the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award, the Health Fitness Award and the Presidential Champions Awards in bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Ha received the gold.
Ha has served as chairman of a national youth sports and culture association, and also hosted a “Ha Hyoung-joo Cup International Junior Judo Tournament” in 2006.