Pathways Program of Taekwondo Australia to bring medals in future Olympic. TAEKWONDO AUSTRALIA

It has been an action-packed start to 2024 for the Australian Taekwondo National Performance Pathways program and the tangible outcomes already appear promising, reports Taekwondo Australia.

Athletes kicked off the year in full force with a four-day training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Combat Centre in Canberra. The AIS National Pathways Camp in January was one of the biggest on record attended by 77 Senior, Junior and Cadet athletes from across the country, plus a team of Pathway Coaches, Athlete Mentors and Pathway Management staff.

The camp’s program focused on preparing upcoming Australian athlete talent for performance fighting internationally and had a particular focus for those athletes who were set to compete at the 2024 Canada Open and 2024 US Open Taekwondo Championships.

Cadet World runner-up Akon Baak. ADELAIDE HIGH SCHOLL FACEBOOK PAGE
Cadet World runner-up Akon Baak. ADELAIDE HIGH SCHOLL FACEBOOK PAGE

Another valuable Pathways Camp is planned for South Korea in April 2024. It will be held over two weeks at the Korea National Sport University (KNSU) in Seoul, one of the best university teams in Korea – with access also to the National Physical Education High School. 

According to Performance Pathways Lead Carmen Marton, well-organised training camps like the AIS National Pathways Camp provide major benefits for the individuals involved and the wider Australian Taekwondo community – especially in the build-up to future Olympic and Paralympic Games in LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032.

“Bringing athletes together from different states around Australia is important as it allows them to develop their skill sets and fighting IQ, and push each other in a competitive, supportive and safe environment, while also building friendships with each other,” explains Marton.

Performance Pathways Lead, three time Olympian Carmen Marton. GETTY IMAGES
Performance Pathways Lead, three time Olympian Carmen Marton. GETTY IMAGES

“Our challenge is that each year we need to put together a strong strategic submission as to why the government should invest in Australian Taekwondo. There is only so much we can do with limited funding compared to other sports and we need funding investment to match our rapidly growing athlete talent base so we can best service their development.

“Hopefully this year, and after the success of last year’s Cadet World Championship medallists (Akon Baak - Silver, Kerim Yilmaz - Bronze, Leonardo Angell - Bronze), we can clearly demonstrate to the AIS that the investment into our sport is providing a great return. 

Taekwondo is definitely picking up pace in this country. I think the Pathways Program can continue on this trajectory and we have a really strong chance of Australia performing in multiple divisions and coming home with multiple medals at future Olympics,” concluded Morton.