- By Carlos Norton, AUT Journalism Student
An east Auckland teenager has been named vice-champion at the International Taekwon-Do World Cup in Argentina.
Pakuranga College year 10 pupil Kevin Edwards hasn’t been competing in the Korean martial art for long, but he hasn’t let that stop him succeeding on the world stage.
The 15-year-old gave it everything he had at the recent international tournament.
“I’ve only competed in taekwondo for three years,” Edwards says.
“So it’s pretty successful for my first tournament overseas.”
He claimed double silver medals in Special Techniques and Patterns in his division.
He’ll hold the title of vice-champion in the two categories for the next two years.
Edwards’ confidence may have been a driving force in his success in the competition.
“I had a feeling I would make it,” he says. “I’ve done really well in the national tournaments, so this was the next step.”
He holds a black stripe belt in taekwondo but already has his sights set on next year’s plans.
“I’m aiming to become a black belt and go to the world championships. That’s the next goal.”
New Zealand taekwondo practitioners earned 18 medals at the world cup in Argentina, including five golds, eight silvers and five bronze.
Edwards isn’t the only Pakuranga College pupil making a name for themselves in the world of martial arts.
Student Tyler Medcalf was recently named national champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu for his age group.
