Sunday, May 19, 2013

Asians Out Loud: Dr. Sammy Lee




Dr. Sammy Lee is the first Asian American to win an Olympic gold medal for the United States.




Sammy was born on August 1, 1920 in Fresno, California and is of Korean descent. At the age of twelve, he dreamed of becoming a diver.

Unfortunately, due to racial discrimination, people of color were only allowed to use the pool one day a week (Wednesday.....the day before they drained the pool for cleaning). However, this did not keep Sammy from working toward his goal of becoming an Olympian.

His coach dug him a pit in the backyard and filled it with sand......and that is where he practiced during the week until the following Wednesday.

Despite the hurdles and racial discrimination he faced, Sammy fulfilled his dreams. He won his first gold medal in the 10 meter platform dive and then a bronze medal in the 3 meter springboard during the 1948 London Olympics. He then returned to the Olympics in 1952 and won his second gold medal in  the 10 meter platform dive, making him the first man ever to win back to back gold medal in Olympic platform diving.

After the Olympics, Sammy went on to become an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor and served in the United States Army Medical Corps during the Korean War.

Later, he coached the US diving team, mentoring future Olympians such as Greg Louganis, and he is a member of the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

 Sammy's story is a powerful one that shows us what we can do if we only keep trying. Will power and determination will help break through barriers and set new standards for future generations.

Thank you Sammy!



8 comments:

  1. Lovely inspiration. Thanks for sharing, Jules.

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  2. What an inspiring story! And he must have been an amazing personality....thanks for the post!

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    1. I'm glad you stopped by! He is so amazing....never gave up.

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  3. What an amazing guy! My hometown is Bakersfield, California, which is pretty close to Fresno.

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    1. Great story of never giving up and going for it no matter what the obstacles.

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  4. LOVED reading this inspirational story. Sad he had to endure that stupid and narrow minded bigotry, but how fabulous of him to persevere and over come it. Thank you for bringing his story to light. Good looking guy too, isn't he.
    Oozing Out My Ears

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    1. I'm so happy you enjoyed this.....Unfortunately, I couldn't really do this people justice due to lack of time to truly investigate their stories, but this at least can share some things about them. Thanks for reading.....Sammy Lee was truly inspiring.

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