South Korea's Park Sang-Young came from the brink of defeat to win Olympic gold ©Getty Images

South Korea's Park Sang-Young scored five straight points to come from the brink of defeat against Hungary’s Géza Imre to claim the men’s individual epee gold medal at the Carioca Arena 3 in Rio de Janeiro.

The 2012 junior world champion found himself trailing Imre 14-10 scoreline, leaving the Hungarian just one point from victory.

It would have be a historic moment for the 41-year-old Hungarian, winner of an Olympic bronze medal 20 years ago at Atlanta 1996. 

Imre had made full use of the experience which last year took him to his maiden individual world title to build the advantage, but was unable to convert it into a victory.

Instead, Park fought back to level the contest at 14-14 and claimed the decisive final point to claim a dramatic triumph.

Géza Imre won a silver medal, 20-years after claiming a bronze at Atlanta 1996 ©Getty Images
Géza Imre won a silver medal, 20-years after claiming a bronze at Atlanta 1996 ©Getty Images

"The Olympics are one of the biggest sporting events in the whole world and I tried to take over his [Imre's] weaknesses,” Park, the number 18 seed, said. 

“It was impressive to win after being behind.

"I called my parents and my mom was crying and was really happy, and I really appreciate my family's support."

Top seed Gauthier Grumier was left to settle for the bronze medal contest after he was beaten 15-13 by Imre in the semi-finals, having also lost to the Hungarian in last year’s World Championship final.

The Frenchman secured a podium place, however, defeating Switzerland’s Benjamin Steffen 15-11.

Tomorrow is due to see the women’s individual foil and men’s individual sabre competitions take place.