Grand Prize
The number of Korean Americans in the United States has grown exponentially in the past century. From their humble beginnings as farm workers to property and business owners of today, our community has faced and conquered its prejudices and has become a vital part of American society. The credit for these monumental gains can be linked to the trail-blazing of Dr. Sammy Lee.
Dr. Sammy Lee faced discrimination throughout his whole life, yet he never let it get in the way of his path to success. The Fresno-born diver realized his dreams of becoming an Olympic champion at a young age. He was taken under the wing of Jim Ryan, a renowned diving coach who saw the potential in him and pushed him to work harder. Every day, Lee overcame racism by practicing diving in the sand pit he dug in Coach Ryan’s backyard instead of the pool which was open to non-whites like him only on Wednesdays. Lee excelled in his academics as well as in diving, working to not only become an Olympic champion but also the doctor his father had dreamed that he would become. In high school he ran for student body president, ignoring his vice-principal Fred Erickson’s advice, and braved heartbreak to become the first non-white president of Franklin High. He received his M.D. at USC in 1947 and served the army following the outbreak of World War II. Following the war, Lee was the gold medalist in the 10-meter platform at the 1948 Olympic Games in London and four years later won the gold again in the 10-meter and the bronze in the 3-meter springboard in the Helsinki Olympics. Not only was he the first Asian American to win an Olympic gold medal, Dr. Lee also became the first male diver to win back to back gold medals in the Olympic Games. In 1953, Sammy Lee was awarded the James E. Sullivan Award, becoming the first Asian-American to win the most prestigious award given to America’s outstanding amateur athlete.
Dr. Sammy Lee is the quintessential embodiment of perseverance. His greatest legacy is that he answered detractors and doubters with actions that erased all misgivings of his worth. He shows us how to stand up to bigots- discrimination only toughened the Olympic champion and motivated him to do better. He also leaves a sports legacy- back to back Olympic gold medals- an amazing feat in an era of pure amateur competition in the Olympics. Dr. Sammy Lee is a role model that has clearly proven that we, Koreans, do have a place in American society. He has given us hope, that truly anyone who puts their heart into the fulfillment of a dream will accomplish it. His story is an extraordinary example that confirms that nothing is impossible. As the saying goes, the words “I’m possible” are written in the same line. This is something I am trying to emulate in my life.
While reading Dr. Sammy Lee’s story, I was extremely touched and inspired. Similarly, I want to fulfill my parents’ expectations and study in the medical field; at the same time, I want to excel in archery and strive to become the best. Coming from a low income family and attending one of the most prestigious schools in the district, I do not have the funds or the time to go out and shoot every day. North Hollywood has a reputation for its rigorous academic curriculum, and I hope that I’ll excel in academics while practicing the sport I truly love. As Dr. Lee’s father once said, “In America, if you set your heart to anything, you will be able to achieve it.” I have found this quote as one that rings true - whether in sports or school, I must always put constant time and work to achieve my dreams. Part of my goals also includes seeing a better and thriving Koreatown, one with a booming business district that is maintained through investment and reduction of crime. To ensure that Dr. Lee’s story is passed on, I aim to see Dr. Lee’s legacy is taught in every Korean school, so all Korean Americans can remember him for his amazing contributions to the fight against racism. These are all achievable especially if we keep in mind the accomplishments of Dr. Sammy Lee.
Dr. Lee hoped to see a day where integration would become a reality in all parts of society, not just in swimming pools. Not only has his dream come to life, it has stretched beyond the Korean American community to the rest of the world. Lee worked to reduce bigotry and ignorance through deeds. It is our duty to continue his dream to the next generations. Through determination he achieved both his life goals, and triumphed over discrimination through his actions, not reactions. He has encouraged me to pursue competing in an Olympic game in archery and someday become a coach in the sport. Dr. Sammy Lee’s life should be hailed as a shining example of what overcoming adversary and becoming a success in America means.
Dr. Sammy Lee faced discrimination throughout his whole life, yet he never let it get in the way of his path to success. The Fresno-born diver realized his dreams of becoming an Olympic champion at a young age. He was taken under the wing of Jim Ryan, a renowned diving coach who saw the potential in him and pushed him to work harder. Every day, Lee overcame racism by practicing diving in the sand pit he dug in Coach Ryan’s backyard instead of the pool which was open to non-whites like him only on Wednesdays. Lee excelled in his academics as well as in diving, working to not only become an Olympic champion but also the doctor his father had dreamed that he would become. In high school he ran for student body president, ignoring his vice-principal Fred Erickson’s advice, and braved heartbreak to become the first non-white president of Franklin High. He received his M.D. at USC in 1947 and served the army following the outbreak of World War II. Following the war, Lee was the gold medalist in the 10-meter platform at the 1948 Olympic Games in London and four years later won the gold again in the 10-meter and the bronze in the 3-meter springboard in the Helsinki Olympics. Not only was he the first Asian American to win an Olympic gold medal, Dr. Lee also became the first male diver to win back to back gold medals in the Olympic Games. In 1953, Sammy Lee was awarded the James E. Sullivan Award, becoming the first Asian-American to win the most prestigious award given to America’s outstanding amateur athlete.
Dr. Sammy Lee is the quintessential embodiment of perseverance. His greatest legacy is that he answered detractors and doubters with actions that erased all misgivings of his worth. He shows us how to stand up to bigots- discrimination only toughened the Olympic champion and motivated him to do better. He also leaves a sports legacy- back to back Olympic gold medals- an amazing feat in an era of pure amateur competition in the Olympics. Dr. Sammy Lee is a role model that has clearly proven that we, Koreans, do have a place in American society. He has given us hope, that truly anyone who puts their heart into the fulfillment of a dream will accomplish it. His story is an extraordinary example that confirms that nothing is impossible. As the saying goes, the words “I’m possible” are written in the same line. This is something I am trying to emulate in my life.
While reading Dr. Sammy Lee’s story, I was extremely touched and inspired. Similarly, I want to fulfill my parents’ expectations and study in the medical field; at the same time, I want to excel in archery and strive to become the best. Coming from a low income family and attending one of the most prestigious schools in the district, I do not have the funds or the time to go out and shoot every day. North Hollywood has a reputation for its rigorous academic curriculum, and I hope that I’ll excel in academics while practicing the sport I truly love. As Dr. Lee’s father once said, “In America, if you set your heart to anything, you will be able to achieve it.” I have found this quote as one that rings true - whether in sports or school, I must always put constant time and work to achieve my dreams. Part of my goals also includes seeing a better and thriving Koreatown, one with a booming business district that is maintained through investment and reduction of crime. To ensure that Dr. Lee’s story is passed on, I aim to see Dr. Lee’s legacy is taught in every Korean school, so all Korean Americans can remember him for his amazing contributions to the fight against racism. These are all achievable especially if we keep in mind the accomplishments of Dr. Sammy Lee.
Dr. Lee hoped to see a day where integration would become a reality in all parts of society, not just in swimming pools. Not only has his dream come to life, it has stretched beyond the Korean American community to the rest of the world. Lee worked to reduce bigotry and ignorance through deeds. It is our duty to continue his dream to the next generations. Through determination he achieved both his life goals, and triumphed over discrimination through his actions, not reactions. He has encouraged me to pursue competing in an Olympic game in archery and someday become a coach in the sport. Dr. Sammy Lee’s life should be hailed as a shining example of what overcoming adversary and becoming a success in America means.