LPGA Star Park In-Bee Wins Gold in Rio, Writes Historic Career Grand Slam

Despite the injuries that haunt her during the first part of the year, LPGA star Park In-Bee still managed to overcome hurdles and climbed her way back to the top, winning the gold medal in the women's golf tournament at 16-under against top-seeded Lydia Ko at the Rio Olympics on Saturday.

With her Rio Olympics gold medal, Park is now the first Korean to have achieved a Career Grand Slam, a title given to a pro golfer who has won four different major tournaments, and the first female golfer in more than 100 years to take bag a gold medal in golf (The women's golf event was held for the first time in 116 years in Rio Olympics.)

According to the Korea Herald, Park In-Bee won the game with a five-under 66 on the windy final day at Olympic Golf Course. She defeated Ko with seven birdies and two bogeys. The 28-year old golfer has won 17 LPGA titles that include seven majors and is in the LPGA Hall of Fame.

After her win, Park said, "Well, it definitely feels unreal. This is something I've been really dreaming of doing this week and to get to represent your country in the Olympic Games and be able to get a gold medal is such a special feeling. I've gone through some tough times, but this is definitely a big relief."

Before the Olympics, many people doubted if Park can still join the national team because of her back and left thumb injuries. When she finally decided to compete, some critics said that she should just let a healthier golfer take her spot in the Olympics. Park's win give South Korea its ninth gold medal.

In an interview with Golf Digest, the athlete commented, "This really could be the highlight of my career. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity. We have five major tournaments a year. I've won a lot of the major championships. The Olympic Games, you get to do it only once every four years. It is a huge honor and I think it could be the highlight of my golfing career."