Best of the Best

Alex Grady shares a heartfelt moment with his five-year-old son, Walter, teaching him to ride a bike. This moment highlights their strong bond and sets the stage for the challenges Alex is about to face.

Alex receives an unexpected letter inviting him to try out for the U.S. Olympic Tae Kwon Do team, which will compete in the upcoming 1988 Summer Olympics in South Korea. This news both excites Alex and worries his mother, Mrs. Grady, due to his past shoulder injury.

At the same time, Tommy Lee is busy instructing a Tae Kwon Do class for children when he receives his own invitation to the Olympic tryouts. This sets a parallel journey for both him and Alex, emphasizing the importance of their shared dreams.

During the Olympic tryouts, Alex encounters Travis Brickley, who rudely refuses to lend tape for his match. A moment of unexpected kindness arises when Tommy tosses Alex his own roll of tape, showcasing the camaraderie amidst the competitive tension.

After intense matches, coach Frank Couzo announces the selected athletes for the Olympic team, which includes Alex, Tommy, Travis, Sonny, and Virgil. Despite Mr. Jennings' concern about Alex's injury, they step forward into a rigorous training regimen.

The newly formed team is introduced to the rules of training and their living arrangements. Tommy shares a room with Alex, allowing them to bond over their personal struggles, while Sonny and his assistant coach connect through their passion for statistics.

As training intensifies, Travis decides to lead the team out for a night at a bar, which quickly escalates into a brawl. Coach Couzo observes the chaos, emphasizing the need for discipline as he orders them back to their rooms afterward.

The team receives a new addition, Catherine Wade, a sports psychologist tasked with helping them adapt to Korean training methods that focus on meditation and mental strength. Her presence is meant to bolster the team's cohesion and readiness.

While training continues, tragedy strikes as Alex's son, Walter, is critically injured in an accident. Faced with a difficult decision, Alex informs coach Couzo of his need to go home, but fears losing his spot on the Olympic team.

During training, Tommy grapples with the painful memory of his brother David's death in a match against a top Korean competitor. This deep-seated trauma affects his performance and focus as the competition draws near.

The team arrives in Seoul, and coach Couzo rallies the athletes with a motivational speech emphasizing the spirit of competition and teamwork. Alex is filled with pride as he sees his family in the stands, supporting him at this monumental event.

As the matches commence, tensions rise. Sonny and Virgil struggle under pressure, leading to a risky deficit for the U.S. team against the Korean competitors, putting the responsibility on Alex and Tommy to turn the tide.

In a dramatic turn, Alex dislocates his shoulder during a match but refuses to give up, demonstrating extraordinary courage and determination. Against all odds, he rallies to win a crucial point for the U.S. team.

In an emotionally charged final match, Tommy faces off against Dae Han, the Korean champion. Traumatized by memories of his brother, Tommy must overcome his internal battles to focus on the fight ahead.

Just as victory appears close, time runs out and Dae Han is awarded the win by a narrow margin. In a poignant moment, Dae Han honors Tommy by giving him his gold medal, signifying respect and mutual admiration that transcends competition.