Heartbreaking video of Tom Kim encapsulates agony of Olympic defeat

The Men's Olympic Golf competition culminated in dramatic fashion on Sunday in France with a large contingent of the world's best players battling it out until the very end at Le Golf National. In the end, World No.1 Scottie Scheffler emerged victorious and claimed the Gold Medal for Team USA after firing a scintillating 9-under 62 in the final round to claim top spot on the podium. But while Scheffler basked in the glory of a remarkable come-from-behind victory, others endured excruciating heartbreak at the end of an exhilarating week. Perhaps none more so than Tom Kim.

Kim, who was competing at his first Olympic Games representing his country the Republic of Korea, was in medal contention for the majority of the week at Le Golf National. Despite recording four consecutive rounds in the 60s, however, the 22-year-old came up just short of a spot on the podium in the end with a costly double-bogey on the difficult 18th closing hole ending his dreams of a medal this time around.

Understandably, Kim Joo Hyung, who goes by Tom, was devastated afterward as the realization that his chances had gone at this Olympic Games started sinking in. A visibly shaken Kim was seen in the scoring trailer after in a heartbreaking video.

Video of Tom Kim after missing out on an Olympic Medal is heartbreaking

Tom Kim was consoled by good friend Scottie Scheffler after missing out on a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

After missing out on a place on the podium at these Olympics, Tom Kim faces the prospect of serving mandatory military service for his country; winning a medal would have secured his exemption. While Kim missed out on a golden opportunity at these games, he will likely have other opportunities to earn his military exemption, including at the upcoming Asian Games in 2026.

Fellow countrymen Si Woo Kim and Sungjae Im both earned their military exemptions after winning the Gold Medal at the 2023 Asian Games.

Tom Kim recorded four birdies on the front nine at Le Golf National on Sunday at the 2024 Olympic Golf competition and found himself in 5th place as he made the turn. Unfortunately, after keeping a clean card on the front nine, Kim would drop three shots coming in en route to a 1-over 36 on the back nine. The 22-year-old would sign for a final round 3-under 68 which secured him solo 8th place for the week at Le Golf National.

Kim went on to share a touching message on his social media account later on in which he apologized and vowed to return to the global stage again.

The talented 22-year-old has already amassed three wins on the PGA Tour and will undoubtedly build upon that tally in the years to come. For now, the endearing Kim will turn his focus toward the rest of this season and another fantastic opportunity for a medal at the Asian Games in two year's time; one he will no doubt be ready for.