Thoroughbred Taekwon-Do representatives were outstanding at the recent ITF World Championships held in Korea (July 3-8)

Joanne Barwood (Melton) took out the Best Overall Senior Female Award, winning Gold Medals (3) in Sparring, Power Breaking and Special Techniques, to go with her Bronze medal in Patterns early in the championships. It was a sensational effort by Joanne, who dominated her sparring oponents in all bouts, particulalry as her preparation in the latter months was severely hampered by a rib injury.

Sasha Robertson (Wollongong) was also a Gold medal winning member of the Junior Female team special techniques, nailing the final technique (flying side kick) to help snatch gold for Australia. Sasha was also a member of the Bronze Medal winning Junior Female Team Sparring team.

Also very impressive was the effort of John Barwood (Melton) in taking out a Bronze Medal in the Senior men's hyperweight sparring division. John showed a lot of courage and determination in winning two very tough bouts before being outpointed in the semi-final.

Regular attendees at Thoroughbred Taekwondo masterclasses, Phill and Josh Zdybel also were outstanding. Phill Zdybel won a Silver Medal in the Senior Sparring during the World Taekwondo Festival, giving him the confidence to back up that performance and win a Bronze Medal in the ITF World Championships Senior Heavyweight sparring. He also followed that performance up wit hanother Bronze Medal in Power Breaking.

Joshua Zdybel performed very well to be awarded a Bronze Medal in the creative patterns section of the World Taekwondo Festival. In a unique and fitting twist, Josh combined both ITF and WTF patterns to take out the medal.

Other notable Thoroughbred performances were from Andrew Kung (Balwyn) and Yoko Robertson (Wollongong)

The entire Australian Team performed exceptionally well, taking close to 50 medals a best ever performance by an Australian Team with a very inexperienced squad who rose to the big occasion, a full report on all World Championships and Festival results, along with photos will be on the United ITF website (www.itftaekwondo.com/uniteditf)  in the coming days.