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There is an irreplaceable name in the history of Korean swimming. It is none other than 'swimming hero' Jo O-ryeon.

There is always an epithet that follows his name.

It is 'Asia's Sea Lion', 'the man who swam across the Korea Strait'.

The Korea Strait is the sea between Busan, South Korea, and Tsushima (Daema Island), Japan. The straight-line distance is about 49.5 km.

However, when actually swimming across, considering the currents, waves, and water flow, the swimming distance exceeds 80 km.

This area is notorious for its fast currents, low seawater temperature, and many shipping routes, making it a dangerous place.

To cross such a place with just his body, especially in the 1970s, is an incredible achievement.

Jo O-ryeon is the first Korean to swim across the Korea Strait solo.

It was not just a matter of physical strength, but a challenge that required all his mental focus and willpower.

He reportedly trained for long-distance swimming every day in the waters off Busan for months prior to this challenge, calculating all factors such as current flow, water temperature, and wind direction with the goal of crossing Tsushima.

Jo O-ryeon's crossing of the Korea Strait was not just a sports record but a symbol of national pride.

At that time, Korea-Japan relations were even more sensitive than they are now, and he embarked on this challenge saying, "I will show the world the fighting spirit and tenacity of Koreans."

After that, he crossed the Korea Strait again in 1982, leading to the establishment of the equation "Jo O-ryeon = Korea Strait", and he remains a legend in Korean swimming.

Since Jo O-ryeon, there have been swimmers who attempted to cross the Korea Strait, but the title of 'first' and its symbolism he left behind are unmatched.

In 2009, he also challenged the Han River swimming, dedicating his life to promoting swimming and improving national fitness, and passed away from a heart attack in August 2010 at the age of 59.

In short, "Jo O-ryeon did not just cross the sea; he broke through the walls of his era."

His challenge of the Korea Strait was not a challenge for records but a battle for the dignity of the nation and its people, and he accomplished it with his own body.

Today, the popularity of swimming as a sport may be deeply rooted in his sweat and fighting spirit in the water.