From Child Actor to Gold Medalist: Namadi Joel Jin Shines in Athletics

Namadi Joel Jin, known as the 'goat boy' from the hit drama Descendants of the Sun (태양의 후예), has made headlines once again, this time as a gold medalist in athletics. On July 27, 2025, he and his teammates, Seo Min-jun, Lee Jae-sung, and Kim Jung-yoon, won the men's 400m relay at the 2025 Summer Universiade in Germany, finishing with a remarkable time of 38.50 seconds. This victory marks the first time South Korea has secured a gold medal in a relay event at a global competition, including the Universiade.

On July 29, Namadi shared his excitement on social media, expressing gratitude for the support he received and reflecting on his first Universiade experience. His past as a child actor has resurfaced in discussions, as he played a memorable role in the 2016 KBS 2TV drama, where he humorously asked a doctor for a goat instead of shoes, showcasing his innocent charm.

Born to a South Korean mother and a Nigerian father who was a national long jump representative, Namadi has pursued his dream of athletics since elementary school. His recent achievement is a significant milestone in his journey and a proud moment for South Korean athletics.

President Lee Jae-myung also congratulated the team on social media, highlighting the importance of their historic win for the nation. From the 'goat boy' to a 'golden hero,' Namadi Joel Jin's remarkable journey in athletics is just beginning.