Australia's Junior National Team kicked off their World Championships campaign with a high-performance training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra, marking a key milestone in their preparation.

Led by expert educators and coaches, the camp offered athletes the chance to sharpen their skills, enhance mental and physical performance, and build team cohesion.

Exceptional Training and Development

The camp showcased the junior team's dedication and effort, with athletes undergoing rigorous training designed to push their limits and enhance performance. These sessions were meticulously planned to boost both physical capabilities and the mental resilience needed for success.

Alongside training, the camp featured educational workshops focused on key aspects of competitive sports, covering topics such as:

• Managing Mental Performance in Competition: 
• Fueling for Positive Performance or Optimal Weight Management Strategies for Combat:
• R.E.S.T. (Recovery, Environment, Sleep, Travel)

The camp was expertly led by a dedicated team, including Head Coach Jerry Moritias, Team Coaches Ali Khalil and Sadhbh Sweeny, and Team Manager Anne Marie Smith, supported by club coaches Carlo Massimino (Team Carlo), Jason Smith (Spirit Taekwondo). Mint-Napaporn Charanawat (Martial Arts Spirit), John Tsoutis (Red Dragon), Terrence Fernandez (Martial Arts Spirit) and John Masiello (Forza Taekwondo). 

Their combined expertise created a supportive yet challenging environment that fostered both individual and team growth. Under their guidance, the junior athletes not only honed their technical skills but also strengthened their bonds, building unity and camaraderie that will undoubtedly enhance their performance at the World Championships.

Team Manager Anne Marie Smith expressed her pride, saying, "I was beyond proud of all these athletes for how they embraced the challenges in training and supported each other through the process." Her words capture the strong sense ofcamaraderie and resilience that defined the camp.

The AIS high-performance camp has provided a solid foundation as the junior team prepares for the World Championships in October. The blend of intense training, educational enrichment, and team-building has equipped them to face international competition with confidence and resilience.

The camp's success reflects the hard work and dedication of our athletes, coaches, and support staff. We eagerly anticipate their outstanding performances on the world stage and are confident their preparation will lead to exceptional performances in the coming months.

Athletes who attended the camp include: 

Jaidah Le Diep - Forza Taekwondo - ACT
Chelsea Gomez - Taya Taekwondo - ACT
Ayva Soteriou - Taya Taekwondo - NSW
Ruby Pappas - Notorious Taekwondo - VIC
Valentina De Robertis - Forza Taekwondo -ACT
Bianca Pavia - Halls Taekwondo - VIC
Gabriella Blewitt - Spirit Taekwondo - NSW
Akon Baak - Total Taekwondo - SA
Aisha Chahal - Global Taekwondo - NSW
Lior Cohen - Red Dragon Taekwondo - NSW
Mason Harrison - Notorious Taekwondo - VIC
Nathan Chau - Global Martial Arts - NSW
Jack Orchard - Martial Arts Spirit - NSW
Ryan Yoo - Global Martial Arts - QLD
Christian Massimino - Team Carlo - VIC
Lachlan Orchard - Martial Arts Spirit - NSW
Aden Voon - Martial Arts Spirit - NSW
Leo Hollis - Notoriou Taekwondo - VIC
Aiden Stilley - Halls Taekwondo - VIC