It’s been a whirlwind few months for Australian Taekwondo’s Performance Pathways Lead, Carmen Marton.  

The former World Champion began the role in December and has already had her hands full with submissions to the AIS, planning international trips for the athletes, and getting to grips with the Pathways Program’s vision and strategies.  

Now she’s eager to see Australia’s top seniors, juniors and cadets trade blows with some of the world’s best at the 50^th edition of the Dutch Open, which runs from March 11-12. 

“I’ve certainly been very busy since taking over this role,” Marton says. 

“I’ve been working with a large team and analysing how we can build upon the great work that’s already been done in the Pathways Program.  

“We’re excited to give the Pathways athletes an opportunity to go overseas now, and our focus was to support the athletes who were recently categorised in December.” 

It’s the Aussie team’s first international trip under Marton’s leadership and the excitement amongst the group has been palpable. 

“There’s definitely a new energy coming through,” says Marton. 

“We had our final team brief last Friday evening, and you could see the excitement in the kids. Just to be in a different country is a big deal, some of them haven't been to Europe before, and it's their first international tournament.”

The pathways squad will be joined by senior National Performance Centre (NPC) athletes as well as a strong contingent of Aussies who are competing for their individual clubs.  

The tournament will take place at the Indoor Sportcentrum Eindhoven, with almost 1600 athletes fighting. 

Who’s flying the flag for Australia in Eindhoven? 

The full entry list can be found here. Here are the Pathways and NPC athletes who will be competing this weekend.   

Categorised Athletes

Performance Pathways Squad

NPC Athletes (CombatAUS)

Each athlete has arrived in the Netherlands at different stages in their development, with varying ambitions and goals, according to Marton. 

“There's a big mixed bag and they're all going to have personal goals, depending on their starting point, current skillset, and age. This year, we've got the Cadet World Championships, and the senior World Championships, and next year the Junior World Championships. These athletes are really focused on getting that international exposure so they can be prepared for those benchmarks and give themselves the best chance of firstly qualifying for the Australian team, but then also performing internationally against those benchmarks. 

“Some of these juniors are on the cusp of moving over into seniors next year, so they're really starting to build on the experience they have and looking towards competing in stronger, tougher divisions at a senior international level. Some of the athletes are preparing for the World Championships and some are using these tournaments to push for Olympic qualification.

“There are also many club athletes who are competing at the Dutch Open who found funding themselves and they’re investing in their future too. That’s such a great thing and I’m really happy to see that those families are also investing in their kids’ development, leading up to the next three Olympic cycles.” 

Who’s coaching these athletes?  

Are the Aussies feeling confident?

“Definitely,” says Marton. “The biggest strength Australian athletes have is that we're so passionate.”

“Compared to a lot of other countries, we get very little funding. It's not like other countries like Great Britain, or France, or other parts of the world, where everything is fully funded when they travel. 

“In Australia, it’s very different. They have a real hunger to win. A fight has so many elements. Yes, there’s skill level and your understanding of the game, but so much of it comes down to your focus and your self-belief and determination to do whatever it takes to win that fight.

“I think that's why Australia can be so far away from the rest of the world, but still be capable of medalling at benchmark events like the World Championships, Grand Prix’s, and the Olympics.

Now that the world has re-opened, post-Covid, Marton says a new wave of Aussie talent is coming through, and they are more motivated than ever. 

“Anything can happen on the day and it’s a great opportunity to test yourself.” 

What are the rules? What equipment will athletes use? 

The Dutch Open will use the official KPNP PSS equipment, which has been confirmed for the 2023 World Championships in Baku, Azerbajian. KPNP was recently used at Australian Taekwondo's Senior World Championship selections in Penrith.

All competition areas will be equipped with video replay and electronic body protectors and headgear. Matches will be contested under WT Competition rules with e-Helmets provided for all competition areas and divisions. 

When are the fights?  

Seniors 

Random weigh-ins will be held from 6:15 pm - 6:30 pm (AEDT) (March 11)  

The fights will run from 7:00 pm (March 11) - 4:00 am (AEDT) (March 12)

The finals will be held between 4:00 am - 5:00 am (AEDT) (March 12)

Cadets & Juniors

Random weigh-ins will be held from 6:15 pm - 6:30 pm (AEDT) (March 12)  

The fights will run from 7:00 pm (March 12) - 4:00 am (AEDT) (March 13)

The finals will be held between 4:00 am - 5:00 am (AEDT) (March 13) 

Where can I find the results? 

Follow Australian Taekwondo’s Facebook and Instagram for regular updates. You can also find the official results here.

Next Event

Following the Dutch Open, athletes will head to the Belgium Open at De Soeverein in Lomme March 18-19, 2023.