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.
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.
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.
The Australian Taekwondo night of nights celebrated its athletes, coaches, referees, clubs and volunteers at the 2026 Green Carpet Awards Gala. The night recognised the year's best performances on the mat and the people who make the sport run off it, with the two pinnacle medals going to Carmela Hartnett and Shrijana Ghising.
History has been made for Australian Para Taekwondo. Shrijana Ghising has claimed Gold at the 2026 World Taekwondo Para Grand Prix in Muju, Australia's first-ever Gold Medal at a World Taekwondo Para Grand Prix.
