"It was a real tragedy," said the 17-year-old Park. "We were deeply saddened. I would like to dedicate my gold medal to him."

Special coverage: Doha Asian Games Related readings: S.Korean rider dies after equestrian fall at Doha S.Korea claims team dressage title

Kim was crushed by his horse after missing a jump on a muddy equestrian course, becoming the first competitor to die in the Asian Games' 55-year history.

The dedication reveals the maturity shown by the rising star, who emerged as a fully fledged Asian swimming dynamo at Doha, where he also set an Asian Games record in the 200 freestyle and claimed gold in the 400. He set another games record in the 1,500 on Thursday night.

"Personally, I'm satisfied with the results, but I won't get arrogant, and I won't get complacent," Park said.

Park began swimming at age five after a doctor recommended the exercise might improve his asthma.

He was the youngest South Korean competitor at the Athens Olympics in 2004, where he was disqualified for an illegal start.

Park finally rose to international prominence following his wins in the 400 and 1,500 freestyle at the Pan-Pacific swimming championships in August.

A student at Seoul's Kyunggi High School, Park begins swimming at the Korean National Training Center at 4:30 a.m., getting in two hours in the pool before a half-day of school, followed by three more hours of afternoon practice and 90 minutes of weight training.

Park's greatest asset is his tenacity, former coach Woo Won-ki has been quoted saying.

Woo said he expected Park to be a major force at the 2008 Beijing Olympics as long as he keeps to his training regimen, adding: "Even though he's young, Park understands what coaches want."