Gold medalist Park Tae Hwan accused of drug use begs for a chance to participate in the Olympics

During a press conference that was held on May 2 at Incheon City Hall, swimmer Park Tae Hwan begged for a chance to participate in the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics which is to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The conference was specially prepared by Yoo Jung Bok, the mayor of Incheon, who wanted to give Park a better chance in securing a spot in the Summer Olympics. 

Park beseeched during the conference, "I'm a professional swimmer so I think it's most important for me to tell you the results and the marks I get at a swimming pool. I would be ever grateful if the citizens allowed me this one chance to show them a better side of me through swimming and to do my duty to the country." Park then got down on his knees, bowing so as to show his deepest deference. Park's sister was also present at the conference in support of her younger brother. 

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Park Tae Hwan had failed the drug test conducted in September of 2014, leading FINA to suspend his athletic license for 18 months. Though the suspension was lifted on March 2, due to the Korean Olympic Committee (KOC)'s decision to not amend the provision dictating that an athlete cannot be a member of the national team for three years following the end of a suspension, Park Tae Hwan's hopes to participate in this year's Summer Olympics dwindled.