Today, as my term as President of Australian Taekwondo comes to an end, I do so with a heart full of gratitude, pride, humility, and deep respect for the Australian Taekwondo family.

Serving as President has been far more than holding a position or carrying a title. It has been a privilege, a responsibility, and one of the greatest honours of my life.

When I accepted this role, I knew there would be challenges. What I did not fully understand was how deeply this journey would touch my life. Along the way, I have witnessed extraordinary dedication, courage, sacrifice, and passion from athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, clubs, administrators, supporters, and everyone who contributes to our sport.

To every athlete who has chased a dream, every coach who has invested countless hours in developing others, every official who has protected the integrity of our sport, and every volunteer who has given their time without seeking recognition thank you.

You are the heart of Australian Taekwondo.

Whatever we have achieved during my term was never the work of one person. It was achieved through people coming together with a shared purpose, standing strong through challenges, celebrating successes, and always believing that Australian Taekwondo could be better and stronger.

This journey has reinforced something I have always believed:

Leadership is not about power, position, or recognition. Leadership is about service.

It is about putting the organisation before yourself.
It is about listening before speaking.
It is about making difficult decisions when necessary.
It is about standing up for what is right.
It is about serving people with integrity, humility, courage, and respect.

And most importantly, leadership is about leaving something stronger for those who come after you.

As I step away from the role of President, I do so with complete confidence in the future of Australian Taekwondo. I see incredible athletes, passionate coaches, committed officials, dedicated volunteers, and a new generation of leaders who have the ability to take our sport even further.

I genuinely believe that the greatest chapters of Australian Taekwondo are still ahead.

To those who will lead in the future, my message is simple: serve first, lead with integrity, stay humble, listen to your people, and always put the best interests of Australian Taekwondo ahead of yourself.

Titles come and go. Positions begin and end. But the way we serve people, the respect we show, the trust we build, and the example we leave behind — that is our true legacy.

To my family and friends, thank you for your support love, patience, understanding, and support throughout this journey. There were many moments when the responsibility was demanding, but your support gave me the strength to continue.

And finally, to the entire Australian Taekwondo family:

Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve.

My term as President may be ending, but my commitment to Australian Taekwondo does not end today.

I will always stand proudly behind this sport, its people, and its future.

I leave the role with no regrets only gratitude.

I leave with pride in what we have built together, confidence in those who will carry it forward, and a heart full of appreciation for every person who has been part of this incredible journey.

It has been my greatest honour to serve as your President.

Thank you, Australian Taekwondo.

The position ends. The service continues. The commitment remains.

Passing the Baton: Jean Kfoury OAM with new Australian Taekwondo President Hassan Iskandar OAM