As Long As I Run, I Exist

Investigations and activities (English Focus)

1. Korean marathon runner Hwang Young-jo won the Olympic gold medal in Barcelona in 1992 which created a new surge of interest in marathons in Korea. Go to the image of Hwang in Korea's Marathon History in the Autumn 2003 edition of Koreana.

a) Design a set of interview questions for this national hero. In small groups, compare your questions. Discuss and categorise your questions and identify those that would provide the best information about the person and those which disclose more general information.

b) Compile a short profile of Hwang’s impact on Korean society using your research and additional information from the internet.

c) Download Korea's Marathon History, Marathons in Korea and Running Craze in Korea from the Autumn 2003 edition of Koreana. Look at the images and brainstorm what they inspire in you. Use this as the basis for a piece of poetry or prose that is told from a runner’s point of view. For increased effect, find music or sound effects and make a digital presentation of your work. An internet search will locate several good sound search engines.

2. It has been said that there are four million marathon runners in Korea. There are many reasons why Koreans have such passion for running.

a) Read the articles cited above.

b) Outline the reasons why Koreans like marathon running. Then comment on whether you think Australian marathon runners might be motivated by similar reasons.

3. What sports or other recreation activities are Australians passionate about? How does our environment and society influence the things we are passionate about? A starting point for research is the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Survey friends and family about what they like to do for recreation.
4. Marathon running in Korea has been stimulated by events in Korea’s political history and has also contributed to national pride. Can you think of any parallels in Australia's sporting history? consider the role of athlete, Cathy Freeman; AFL star Nicky Winmar, cricketer Sir Donald Bradman during the Depression of 1929–39, or swimmer Ian Thorpe as national symbols. Design a digital presentation or poster which demonstrates the impact that the achievements of a specific sportsperson or team achievement has had on the larger community and the reasons why.
5. Respond in a creative way to this topic: ‘As long as I run I exist.’

Extension activity: The film Marathon was a box office success in Korea in 2005. Otherwise known as Running Boy, the film is about an autistic youth training to become a marathon runner. You could try to find a copy of this film to watch in class. Clips from the film can be found on You Tube.