Lolohea Fouana Navuga Naitasi has made Fiji proud once again by winning a silver medal at the Daegu World University Taekwondo Festival in South Korea.
The 18-year-old, who is originally from Daku, Nakelo in Tailevu, is currently in Korea for a three-month training program.
She said the win came as a big surprise because she competed in a type of taekwondo she isn’t used to.
“It was a shock for me, especially as a Kyorugi fighter participating in Poomsae,” she said.
“I felt so happy and shocked at my achievement as I wasn’t expecting to get a silver.”
This was Lolohea’s second time at the Daegu Festival.
Last year, she won a bronze medal in Kyorugi, the sparring style of taekwondo where two athletes face off in a match using speed and strategy to score points by kicking and punching each other while wearing protective gear.
But this year, she tried something completely new: Poomsae, a solo performance where the athlete shows a series of set moves that display balance, technique and control.
It was her first time ever competing in this style at an international level.
“To win silver in my first Poomsae event made it even more special,” she said.
Lolohea credited her success to the strong support team around her, especially her Korean instructors, along with her training partners and supporters both in Korea and back home in Fiji.
“Some factors that helped me were my Masters in Korea, Master Jin and Master Kim and my colleagues who supported me through my preparations,” she said.
“Not forgetting Master Kim’s family, Master Ra and my family back home for their never-ending support and encouragement.”
She said it was an inspiring experience to compete in Korea again and to see so many skilled athletes from around the world.
“It was a great experience seeing so many individuals perform. It really motivated me,” she said.
Lolohea hopes to bring what she has learned back to Fiji and help grow the sport.
Lolohea Naitasi (left) winning a silver medal at the Daegu World University Taekwondo Festival in South Korea. Picture: SUPPLIED
