Deep Bow on the Podium, Tears at the Mention of His Wife... 37-Year-Old Kim Sang-gyeom’s Emotional Moment [2026 Milan]

[Financial News] On the cold snowy slopes, the hottest drama was written. The 37-year-old “big brother” of Team Korea, Kim Sang-gyeom of High1, did not stand on the very top step of the podium, but he delivered a message that came from the deepest place in his heart as he secured the first medal for the Korean delegation.
He dropped to his knees facing the people of his homeland, and his tears flowed endlessly for his wife, his lifelong partner.
The medal ceremony took place on the 8th (local time) at the snow park in Livigno, Italy. When Kim Sang-gyeom’s name was called, he jumped onto the podium with a bright smile. Then, without hesitation, he lay face down on the snow in a full prostration — a deep traditional Korean bow known as a “keunjeol.”
It was a heartfelt New Year’s greeting from the 37-year-old veteran to the fans and family back home who had been losing sleep cheering him on ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays.
Local spectators erupted in cheers at the unfamiliar Eastern gesture, and Kim answered them with his trademark easygoing smile.
When the national anthem of Austria was played for gold medalist Benjamin Karl, Kim took off his knit cap to show his respect, displaying an extra measure of class. In both skill and manners, he was truly world-class.

Speaking in the mixed zone (interview area) right after the ceremony, Kim Sang-gyeom calmly shared his thoughts.
But the moment the words “family” and “wife” came up, everything changed.
Four Olympic attempts and 12 years of waiting. Whenever he wanted to give up, it was his family who helped him stand back up. When a question about his wife was asked, Kim fell silent for a while, unable to speak. His eyes reddened as if tears would spill at any moment, and he bit his lip before finally letting the tears he had held back pour out.
"Thank you for waiting for me... I’m so grateful to my family, and I’m also sorry."
In that one difficult sentence, spoken as he wiped away his tears, were all the regrets and gratitude he had carried over the years.
His wife had quietly endured his frequent overseas training camps, injuries, and the stress of poor results, standing by him and supporting him. The mix of guilt and gratitude finally broke down the “iron man on the snow.”
“My wife, who believed in me and quietly cheered me on, is the number one contributor to today’s medal,” he said, giving all the glory to her.

Kim Sang-gyeom’s silver medal marked a historic milestone as the 400th Olympic medal in South Korea’s history.
But more dazzling than that number were the spirit of challenge he showed at the not-so-young age of 37 and the burning tears he shed for his family.
From Sochi to Milan, after 12 long years, Kim Sang-gyeom finally stood on the podium.
His silver run is over, but the deep bow he offered and his tearful confession to his wife will be remembered as one of the defining images of these Olympics.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter