Invictus Games athlete Lee Hwan-kyung poses during a Hankook Ilbo interview at a swimming pool in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Aug. 6. Korea Times photo by Park Ji-yeon
At the wheelchair curling final of the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, held in Vancouver, Canada, in February 2025, gasps erupted around the arena when Britain's final draw shot fell short.
As the Korean team secured its first gold medal of the games, Lee Hwan-kyung, 53, a key player on the team, turned his head toward the British players. His eyes fell on an athlete who had lost an arm after being injured during military service.
Lee watched as the athlete pushed a delivery stick with all his remaining strength while struggling to maintain his balance. Lee lowered his head and sobbed for a long time.
Speaking to Hankook Ilbo in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Aug. 6, Lee recalled the moment.
