In a dazzling showcase of martial prowess, Australian taekwondo athletes secured an impressive tally of eight gold medals out of 16 at the recent Taekwondo tournament during the Pacific Games held in the Solomon Islands.
In the fiercely contested women's division, the quartet of Juliet Lahood (49 kg), Stacey Hymer (57 kg), Rebecca Murray (67 kg), and Reba Stewart (+73 kg) left no room for their opponents, delivering stellar performances that earned them the coveted gold. On the men's front, Benjamin Camua (59 kg), Matthew Summerfield (68 kg), Liam Sweeney (80 kg), and Tyrone Staben (87 kg) clinched the champions' titles with remarkable displays of skill and determination.
The momentum carried forward as the 11th Oceania Championship unfolded in the Solomon Islands immediately following the Pacific Games. In an encore performance, Australian fighters once again dominated the competition, securing all gold medals.
In the men's division, Benjamin Camua (58 kg), Matthew Summerfield (68 kg), Liam Sweeney (80 kg), and Tyrone Staben (+80 kg) showcased their prowess, maintaining their unbeatable streak. On the women's front, Juliet Lahood (49 kg), Stacey Hymer (57 kg), Rebecca Murray (67 kg), and Reba Stewart (+67 kg) emerged as champions, continuing the nation's triumphant run.
As an Olympic year approaches, the Australian contingent's dominant performance solidifies their status as formidable contenders on the world stage. To learn more about the selection process for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, please click here to view the team selection policy and expected timelines.
Australia enjoyed an impressive campaign at the WT President’s Cup, with six athletes stepping onto the podium and delivering strong performances across the tournament. Winning two silver medals and four bronze, the Australian team showed its quality, resilience, marking their territory on home soil.
Australia’s para taekwondo program will be represented by two athletes on the Gold Coast this month, with Shrijana Ghising and Evie Ruffle set to contest the Australian Open, WT President’s Cup and Oceania Championships in an important competition block ahead of the Para World Championships later this year.
The Gold Coast is set to host two major World Taekwondo sparring events over one massive weekend! From proven senior campaigners to rising prospects pushing into the upper tier, here are 10 Australian athletes to watch when the action begins on the Gold Coast.
