Rising Stars: Young Australians Impress at Cadet World Championships in Fujairah, UAE

Rising Stars: Young Australians Impress on World Taekwondo Stage

Australia's rising stars put on a strong performance amidst a record-breaking turnout and inspiring performances from young athletes across the globe at the 2025 World Taekwondo Cadet Championships, which wrapped up in spectacular fashion at the Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah, UAE.

Held from May 10 to 14, the event saw over 800 athletes from 89 countries, including Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) and a Refugee Team, come together to compete at the highest level. Designed for athletes born between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2013, the Cadet World Championships represent the first major step in an athlete’s international taekwondo journey, providing young competitors with invaluable experience on the world stage.

Australia fielded a diverse and determined team, with 10 clubs represented across all 20 divisions.  Winning 11 fights across the competition in a strong testament to the nation’s developing taekwondo talent.

Among the standout performances was Chloe Hor Yan Spencer, who made history by capturing her first bronze medal on the world stage in the W-47kg division. Chloe battled through an impressive four victories over opponents from Uzbekistan, Poland, the USA, and Mexico, before falling to the eventual champion, a formidable AIN fighter of Russian heritage. Chloe trains under the guidance of 2024 Olympians Leon Sejranovic and Stacey Hymer at Notorious Martial Arts.

Her coach Leon had this to say about her incredible performance:

“Chloe was incredible all day. She showed a level of maturity and composure throughout the entire competition that most senior athletes can’t even sustain. I’ve seen first-hand how hard she trains, the love she has for the sport and her hunger to be the absolute best. This result is proof that if you set your mind to something and do absolutely everything in your power to achieve it then it will happen. I am certain that this is only the beginning of a very bright future for Chloe”

Also making waves was Lucy Schranz of Mozhdeh Martial Arts, who fought her way to the quarterfinals in the W+59kg division. Lucy posted wins against Morocco and Mexico before being edged out by the eventual silver medallist from Croatia.

The Australian contingent also celebrated several firsts and commendable efforts:

• Antonino Rossello of Convergence Combat Sports was dominate in his first round fight against his Tongan opponent scoring 16-4 and 12-1.
• Nicole Striglogiannis and Lucas Mamonitis earned Royal Empire Martial Arts their first-ever wins at a World Championship level.
• Joshua Hoo representing Weiwu Taekwondo fought well in a gritty win in the M-45KG division.
• Ethan Keen, one of six athletes from Global Martial Arts (GMA), contributed to a highly successful campaign for the club, cementing its status as a dominant force in youth taekwondo.

Beyond the mats, the Australian cadet team demonstrated unity, resilience, and true sporting spirit. From early morning weigh-ins to late-night recovery sessions, athletes and coaches rallied around one another with unwavering support. Whether it was cheering from the stands or helping a teammate shake off nerves before a bout, the camaraderie among the group was evident. For many athletes, this was not just a competition, but their first experience representing Australia on the world stage, and they did so with pride, maturity, and a team-first mindset.

None of these achievements would have been possible without the dedication of the broader taekwondo community. Behind each athlete stood a village of coaches, parents, club officials, and supporters who helped them prepare for this opportunity. Clubs across the country invested countless hours into refining technique, building confidence, and managing the demands of international travel. The success in Fujairah is as much a reflection of this collective effort as it is of individual talent.

This year’s championships not only marked Australia’s growing competitiveness on the world stage but also highlighted the strength and diversity of its grassroots programs. With young fighters gaining crucial experience and exposure, the future looks bright for the green and gold.

The 2027 World Taekwonodo Cadet Championship will be held in Athens, Greece, where the next generation of athletes will compete for global glory.

The Full Australian Team:

Above: Chloe Spencer on The Podium at the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships