Lydia Ko: Most successful golfer in Olympic history
What's the story
New Zealand's Lydia Ko won the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics women's golf competition. She has become the most successful golfer in Olympics history after winning three medals (gold, silver, and a bronze). Ko prevailed in Paris after winning the full set on August 10. It took four days and 72 holes at Le Golf National for the same.
Medals
Three Olympic medals for Ko
As mentioned, Ko now has three Olympic medals. Besides winning gold, the Kiwi star won the silver medal on her Olympic debut in 2016 (Rio). She claimed the bronze medal in 2020 (Tokyo), finishing a shot behind winner Nelly Korda. Ko became the first-ever golfer (male or female) to achieve three medals at three different Olympic Games.
Information
Ko inducted into LPGA Hall of Fame
The Olympic gold medal got Ko inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame. She, thereby, becomes the first New Zealand golfer to ever be inducted into the same. She is also the youngest person to receive this honor at jut 27.
Profile
Who is Lydia Ko?
As per the Olympics.com, Ko was born on April 24, 1997, in Seoul, Korea. However, she currently resides in California in the United States of America. She moved to New Zealand with her family before getting citizenship at 12. Ko's parents, especially her father, pushed her to pursue her golfing career. She is also a player director on the LPGA Board.
Milestones
Other notable milestones of Ko
Ko first became the top-ranked woman in the World Golf Rankings in February 2015. At 17, she became the youngest player (male or female) to achieve this feat in professional golf. Until 2017, she was the youngest (aged 15) to win an LPGA Tour event. She was also the youngest woman (18 years and 4 months) to win a major championship.