Historic Milestone for Professional Baseball in South Korea
The KBO League has made history by surpassing 9 million spectators for the first time ever, achieving this remarkable feat in just 610 games this season. With a surge in attendance, the league is on track to exceed 10 million spectators, marking a monumental moment in the realm of domestic professional sports. This record-breaking achievement comes just ten days after the previous record of 8.47 million spectators was set, showcasing the growing popularity of baseball in South Korea.
The excitement on the field was palpable as KIA's Kim Do-young made headlines by hitting his 33rd two-run homer of the season, breaking the KBO League record for the most home runs by a 20-year-old player. His performance not only contributed to KIA's thrilling 7-6 victory over SSG but also set a new record for the KIA team with a total of 119 runs scored this season.
Thrilling Performances Across the League
In addition to KIA's success, other teams showcased their talents, with Samsung defeating Kiwoom 9-5, powered by home runs from Park Byung-ho and Koo Ja-wook. Oh Seung-hwan made a notable return to the field, earning a relief win after pitching a scoreless inning. Meanwhile, KT delivered a stunning comeback against LG, scoring four runs in the 10th inning to secure an 8-4 victory. KT's closer, Park Young-hyun, achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first player in 20 years to record 10 wins and 20 saves in a single season.
Paralympic Star Marcus Rahm Shines at Lausanne Diamond League
In the world of athletics, Marcus Rahm, the greatest long jumper in the T64 category, continues to impress. Competing at the Lausanne Diamond League, Rahm achieved a jump of 8.20 m, securing yet another victory and reinforcing his status as a Paralympic champion. With an impressive record of seven world championship titles, Rahm's achievements extend beyond the field; he is also a prominent figure in the sponsorship landscape, partnering with brands like Nike and Allianz.
Rahm's journey has not been without challenges. After losing his leg in a wakeboarding accident at age 14, he turned adversity into motivation, promising himself to become a professional athlete. His story is a testament to resilience, as he aspires to break the 9-meter barrier in long jump — a feat yet to be accomplished in the history of the sport. As he continues to compete and inspire, Rahm symbolizes the spirit of Paralympic sports, where every participant is a winner, and dreams are pursued relentlessly.