As we reach the midpoint of 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been one of the most rewarding and significant quarters in recent memory for Australian Taekwondo. From May through to now, our community has delivered on the international stage, welcomed the world to our shores, and continued to strengthen the foundations that will carry our sport forward. To every athlete, coach, referee, official, volunteer and member, thank you for the passion and dedication that made it possible.

The undoubted centrepiece of the quarter was our June block of international events on the Gold Coast. Over one remarkable stretch, Australia hosted three major World Taekwondo-sanctioned competitions: the Australian Open (G-2), the WT President's Cup Oceania (G-3), and the Poomsae, Para-Poomsae & Para-Kyorugi Oceania Championships (G-4). To stage events of this calibre, and to do so back-to-back across a single window, is no small feat. It reflects enormous credit on our staff, our officials, our volunteers and our partners, who delivered a seamless experience for athletes and nations from across the region and beyond.

Hosting three esteemed events in such close proximity placed real demands on our people and our systems, and they rose to the occasion magnificently. With approximately 45 countries, 1000 competitors across 4 massive days of action, it was a genuine statement about Australia's capacity to deliver world-class competition, and about the growing strength of our region.

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the Oceania Taekwondo Union and its President, Maher Magableh, for their outstanding collaboration and support throughout the Gold Coast events. Maher was on the floor for all four days of competition, presenting medals, working hand-in-hand with our event staff, and generously donating snacks and supplies to keep our officials well looked after. His hands-on presence embodied the spirit of unity we share across our region and made a real difference to the smooth delivery of the events. On behalf of the entire Australian Taekwondo community, thank you, Maher, and thank you to the Oceania Taekwondo Union for your continued support. I would like to extend that thanks to Ms. Byung Hee Kim from World Taekwondo in the role of Technical Delegate, and all members of the Competition Supervisory Board.

Just as pleasing was the performance of our athletes on home soil. At the WT President's Cup, Australia claimed six medals — two silver and four bronze. Juliet Lahood announced her return to the competitive scene in style taking silver, while Xavier Nikolovski produced a mature and technically excellent campaign for a silver of his own. Gaby Blewitt, Matty Summerfield, Rebecca Murray and Aiden Stilley all stepped onto the podium with bronze, showcasing the depth now running through our program.

 Two days later at the Australian Open, our athletes returned another eight bronze medals across the senior divisions, through Stacey Hymer, Gaby Blewitt, Rose Abela, Rebecca Murray, Reba Stewart, Aaron Choy, Lucas Sabljak and Aiden Stilley. While the gold medal breakthrough eluded us this time, these results represent real progress and a group of athletes firmly in the fight.

Away from the mat, a major milestone this quarter was the launch of our new Kyorugi Referee Framework, delivered in partnership with the National Kyorugi Referee Committee. This refreshed framework is designed to improve accessibility, support and development for officials at every level, whether their preferred environment is club, State or high performance. Closely aligned with the Australian Sports Commission's Modern Approach to Officiating, it places the participant experience at its centre and creates clearer, better-supported pathways for anyone wishing to engage with our sport through officiating. My thanks go to the Member State representatives, Referee Chairs and members who contributed their feedback to shape it. Our officials are the backbone of every event we deliver, and this framework is an important investment in their future.

I would also like to celebrate a standout international result in our Para program, with Shrijana Ghising and Evie Ruffle both reaching the podium at the Gangwon Chuncheon Open, Shrijana claiming silver and Evie taking bronze. This is a wonderful outcome for two athletes who continue to lead the way for Para Taekwondo in Australia, and it reflects the significant progress being made in this space. Their achievements are an inspiration, and a clear signal of the momentum building behind our Para athletes as they work toward the world stage.

As we look to the upcoming fixture, it is great to see a multitude of athletes competing in Career from our Para, High Performance, Pathway, Fighting Futures and club programs. We wish all the best to those who are yet to compete still, and congratulate those who are competing as we speak. Looking Forward we will host our Pathway Fight Series event in August, with our National Championships right around the corner in October.

It has been a quarter defined by delivery, in the events we hosted, the results we earned, and the systems we continue to build. I am immensely proud of what our community has accomplished together, and grateful to everyone who plays their part. There is still important work ahead, but the strength, unity and spirit on display over these past months give me every confidence in the future of Taekwondo in Australia.

With warm regards and appreciation,