CLARKSVILLE, TN – On June 23 and 24, 11 athletes from Clarksville represented Tennessee at the National Taekwondo Championship. This championship took place in Plano, Texas qualifying for a chance at a world title.
These athletes trained hard for 1 year; first winning the taekwondo pre-qualifier in Arkansas which qualified them for the State Championship in Nashville, Tennessee which they won with honors, earning a pass to the U.S. Championship and now, a World Title appearance.
Out of 41 athletes from the USA who won the pass for the world championship, these 11 athletes from Tennessee managed to complete the requirements to participate in this prestigious and most important championship in the sport of taekwondo. This competition team stood out in this event in a prominent way. The 11 competitors obtained a total of 12 medals for USA, 3 gold medals and 9 silver medals.
Recognizing all of our competitors: Rozilia Anelo, Kilia Anello, Ayieza Basa, Aamilah Harris, Jaden A. Hernandez, Elijah Kennedy, Josiah Kennedy, Leanna Lopez, Brianna Lopez, Jayleen Rennes and Olivia Thedford.
This team has a direct ticket to the 2023 North American Taekwondo Championship in Ontario, Canada in November 11-12, 2023, and to the European Championship in Madrid, Spain October 26-29, 2023.
Coaches Alfredo Hernandez, Monica Harris, Edwin Lopez, Johanna Guadalupe, Billy Roger Thedford expressed how proud they are of these athletes and that they will begin training for their next championship in January 2024.