The Korean Open wrapped up this week in what was a successful campaign for Australia and its next generation of budding Taekwondo athletes.
Australia saw outstanding results from Chuncheon and the best seen in many years. Juniors competed in 14 divisions, made 14 finals and won 13 Gold medals, two silver, and two bronze, and a percentage of 92.85%
The Junior divisions were slightly different from the WT Junior divisions, which is why there were two (2) Junior divisions: Junior 1 (born between Jan 1, 2005 to Dec 31, 2006 (16 & 17 years old), and Junior 2 (born between Jan 1, 2007 to Dec 31, 2008 (14 & 15 years old).
Australian athletes achieved the best athlete (female and male) in both Junior divisions.
Australia's Junior female team was awarded 1st place for the best female team and 2nd place for the best team overall, while the best coach (Junior Team) award went to Dongmin Cha, who has recently joined Australian Taekwondo as one of its National Coaches.
Juniors
Cadets and Seniors
The success Australia has had this week shows the importance of Australian Taekwondo's Performance Pathway Program in identifying and supporting young athletes and their development, which has been further enhanced by home coaches and their athlete training programs.
Thank you to all coaches, team manager, and athlete support staff who provided leadership, guidance, and support to the team in Korea. The next major junior event for Australia will be the World Championship in Bulgaria next month.
Mackenzie Macdonald has made history, claiming a silver medal in the women's 49kg division at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. This marks a major milestone for the sport in Australia, with Macdonald acquiring the first ever medal at the Youth Olympic Games for Australian Taekwondo.
When Taekwondo opens in Dakar this November, the green and gold will be seen on the mat for the very first time. Mackenzie Macdonald, a teenager from Wandong in regional Victoria, is Australia's first representative in Taekwondo at the Youth Olympic Games.
Janine Watson has called time on her 19-year taekwondo career, competing at an international level in both kyorugi and poomsae. Watson finishes as Australia's most decorated para athlete, leaving behind a legacy both on and off the mat.
