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.
For Australia’s 2024 Olympic Games Taekwondo athletes – comprising Australian and Oceania champions Stacey Hymer (57kg), Leon Sejranovic (80kg) and Bailey Lewis (58kg) – the journey to Paris has been challenging, memorable, and ultimately incredibly rewarding. As elite athletes their dedication and determination is unquestionable, but they couldn’t have made it to the pinnacle of their sport on their own.
CombatAUS and Australian Taekwondo are pleased to announce that National Head Coach Dr Seokhun Lee has renewed his contract through to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The Canada Open concluded over the weekend in Vancouver, with Australia's National Pathways and Senior National Team shining brightly, clinching 27 medals.
