A couple of weeks ago, Ashley and I attended Koream Journal’s annual black-tie event honoring the achievements of Korean-Americans (and-Canadians). Sandra Oh (Grey’s Anatomy) accepted her award via video from fellow Canadian and TV’s hottest artificial lifeform, Grace Park. The music honoree was Joe Hahn from Linkin (no relation to Grace) Park, and the sports honoree was freestyle-skiing medalist Toby Dawson. But the most impressive figure there that night, in my opinion, was seated to my left: Dr. Sammy Lee.
It’s understandable if you’re unfamiliar with Sammy Lee and his accomplishments. He may not be as famous as Jesse Owens or Jim Thorpe, but Sammy Lee is a true pioneer, not only in American sports, but in American history. He was the first Asian-American to win an Olympic gold medal for the U.S. He won back-to-back gold medals in platform diving in 1948 and 1952, plus a bronze in springboard diving in 1948.
What makes Sammy’s accomplishments even more impressive is the fact that he achieved them in the face of blatant prejudice and discrimination. In addition, he went to medical school and was a U.S. Army doctor when he competed in the Olympics. Naturally, I was honored to sit next to him and speak with him. Even better, he turned out to have a mischievous and salty personality. My kind of guy.
Sammy is seated, bottom left, in the picture below.
January 10, 2007 at 4:41 am
That’s so cool! I love that you describe him as salty.
Happy New Year to you and Ashley.
Jen