Australian Taekwondo’s National Performance Program athletes have wrapped up a strong campaign across North America, finishing the US Open with three more podium finishes added to the tally. The results cap off the team’s Americas tour with a total of eight medals, marking another positive step forward for Australia on the international stage.

Gaby Blewitt continued her outstanding form following her gold medal performance at the Canadian Open the week prior. Blewitt fought her way through the draw to reach the gold medal match, demonstrating the same attacking style that has made her one of Australia’s most exciting athletes to watch. In a tightly contested final, she faced the Ecuadorian athlete she defeated in the quarter finals of the World Championships last year. Her opponent just managing to hang on for the win, leaving Blewitt with a well earned silver medal and confirming her excellent form across the tour.

Gaby Blewitt (Left) with her 2026 US Open Silver Medal.

The American tour rounded out two bronze medals for Saffron Tambyrajah, who fell to the Vietnamese 4 seed in the semi-final, securing her spot on the podium. Saffron has got off to a great start in 2026, building strong momentum early in the cycle with confident performances on the international stage.

Australia’s Heavyweight Aiden Stilley had a strong display in his first few fights, and was just short against the Mexican 2 seed. Aiden will look to build on his success after also securing silver and the 2026 Canadian Open and bronze at the US Open.

Leon Sejranovic made his return to competition after ten months on the sidelines recovering from an ACL injury. It was great to see the 2023 World Championship bronze medalist back out on the mat. Sejranovic will now ramp up his mat and training time with his eyes now set on the Australian Open and WT Oceania President’s Cup in June.

Matthew Summerfield (M-63) and Reba Stewart (F+73) also enjoyed their time at the Canadian Open, getting through to the quarter finals but not quite breaking onto the podium. Other results include a R16 finish for Bianca Motta, and a first round exit for Xavier Nikolovski.

Other performances also came from Australian club athletes competing at the US Open. Taye Ragheb (R16), Rose Abela (R16) and Ruby Pappas (R32) showed good signs of the talent emerging through Australia’s pathway system.

Junior and Cadet club athletes Rose Ward and Skyler Hock also gained valuable international experience, stepping onto the world stage and representing Australia with confidence in their respective divisions.

In Poomsae, an ATV team competed, highlighted by Bronwyn Butterworth who delivered a standout performance to claim gold in the Female O65 US Open. Her composure and precision across her three matches saw her rise to the top of the podium in a contested field. Fellow ATV athlete Minseung Choi also added to the medal tally with a bronze medal performance, contributing to a strong showing from Victoria’s poomsae athletes. Lucy Cleary (Quarterfinal), Lachlan Ng (R16) and Leanne Dang (R16) rounded out a great start the year these competitors.

US Open Female O65 gold Medalist Bronwyn Butterworth (Left).

The Team’s performances throughout the Canadian Open and US Open signal clear progress for Australia’s National Performance Program. With eight medals secured across the tour, the campaign represents an encouraging step forward for Australian Taekwondo in the international arena and provides strong momentum as the athletes look ahead to the next phase of the cycle.

Congratulations to National Performance Program coaches Seokhun Lee and Ryan Carneli on the team’s outstanding performances throughout the tour. heir leadership and commitment throughout the team’s preparation and training block were instrumental in ensuring the athletes were ready to perform at their best on the international stage. Australian Taekwondo also extends its sincere thanks to the Australian Institute of Sport, the Victorian Institute of Sport, Combat AUS, and the Australian Sports Commission for their continued support of the Australian Taekwondo High Performance Program.