Dame Allan’s pupil Alasdair N competed in three events at the ITF Taekwon-Do World Cup in Benidorm, Spain, last week, taking on some of the sport’s leading young athletes from around the world.
Alasdair, who is in Year 11, finished 17th out of 130 in patterns, 17th out of 56 in special technique and 17th out of 36 in sparring at the major international tournament, which attracted more than 2,500 competitors.
He said: “I knew the World Cup would be a big step up, with so many experienced competitors, but I was pleased to be there and feel I belonged. It was a great experience and has given me a solid foundation to build on as I work towards my goal of representing England.”
The World Cup was Alasdair’s second international tournament and a key step towards his ambition of competing at a European or World Championship.
“I’m hoping to attend national squad selection for either a European or World Championship. My long-term ambition is to secure a spot on England’s national team,” he added.
Alasdair, who trains with Newcastle Blackbelt Academy, has built up extensive experience through national and international competitions. In September, he competed at the North Lanarkshire Open in Scotland, winning two gold medals and a bronze across junior black belt patterns, team sparring and individual sparring. He has also secured a podium finish at the English Nationals and was named vice-Scottish champion in his sparring category.
He first took up Taekwon-Do at the age of four after a friend introduced him to the sport. More than a decade later, he has progressed to First-Degree Black Belt and rarely misses a training session.
He said: “I’ve learned that when you work hard, results don’t come instantly. It takes time, patience and continuous effort.”
Neil Seaton, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools, said: “Reaching the World Cup and taking on such strong international competition is a fantastic achievement for Alasdair. We are very proud of his dedication and wish him every success as he pursues his national ambitions.”