19 June 2026

Australian Para Poomsae Squad Confirmed for Oceania Pursuit

Australian Taekwondo has named its team for the 2026 Para Poomsae Oceania Championships, with a group of athletes from across the country selected to represent Australia in the regional event.

The team brings together competitors across multiple sport classes, highlighting the continued growth and development of para poomsae within the national program.

Karen Doyle of ATI Martial Arts and Sammy Rachele of Koryo Taekwondo Centre have been appointed as coaches for the campaign, providing leadership and expertise across the championship event.

Australia’s selected team features Annika Best (MTC Glen Waverley), Damon Vasterink (Koryo Taekwondo Centre) and Brodie Fitzgerald (Koryo Taekwondo Centre) in the P21 class. In P22Alex Nikolarakos (Hall’s Taekwondo) and Jack Arrah (ATI Martial Arts) have been selected, while Allena Nigro (Koryo Taekwondo Centre) and Phoebe Lewis (Hall’s Taekwondo) will represent Australia in P23. In P34Janine Watson (Hartmann Taekwondo) and Josh Pelusi (Yun Hap Taekwondo) complete the team.

The 2026 Para Poomsae Oceania Championships will provide an important opportunity for Australia’s para poomsae athletes to compete at regional level and continue building experience in an international championship environment.

Australian Taekwondo congratulates all selected athletes and coaches and wishes the team well for the championships.

2026 Para Poomsae Oceania Championships Team

Coaches

  • Karen Doyle — ATI Martial Arts
  • Sammy Rachele — Koryo Taekwondo Centre

P21

  • Annika Best — MTC Glen Waverley
  • Damon Vasterink — Koryo Taekwondo Centre
  • Brodie Fitzgerald — Koryo Taekwondo Centre

P22

  • Alex Nikolarakos — Hall’s Taekwondo
  • Jack Arrah — ATI Martial Arts

P23

  • Allena Nigro — Koryo Taekwondo Centre
  • Phoebe Lewis — Hall’s Taekwondo

P34

  • Janine Watson — Hartmann Taekwondo
  • Josh Pelusi — Yun Hap Taekwondo
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