It’s a special moment for 26-year old Venice Traill as she becomes the first athlete from Fiji to qualify for the Olympics in tae kwon do.
The former St Joseph’s Secondary School student won gold in the women’s plus 67kg event at the Oceania Qualification Tournament for Paris 2024 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, in Honiara, Solomon Islands at the weekend.
Traill, and her five-member team, created history as the first tae kwon do team from Fiji to compete in the qualifiers and secure a spot for the upcoming Paris Olympics in July.
Team coach Master Sang Hyun Ra, who has been teaching tae kwon do in Fiji for the past 15 years, says his students qualifying for the Olympics brought him immense joy and pride.
“Despite all the difficulties, her win gave me great joy and I am proud of Fiji Taekwondo’s first ever participation in the Olympics,” he said.
“She will continue her pre-Olympics training and is planning to train in Korea to improve her skills.”
Traill dedicates her win to her family, parents, friends and church members.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity and to Fiji Taekwondo’s board and committee for sending us to our first ever Olympics qualifiers.
“This is the first of many and I’m so excited to see what’s in store for Fiji tae kwon do in the coming years.”
She said the road ahead was challenging, but with their passion and determination, they were ready to make history and leave a lasting mark on the world of tae kwon do.
