Over 140 countries participated in the largest Taekwondo World Championships in history. The competition is fierce as the Olympics approach.
Local taekwondo athlete, who got her start and trained with Yorkton Kee's Taekwondo, Autumn Ashcroft had a very tough division and a tough first draw against an athlete from the Dominican Republic. The athletes from that region are known for their aggressive and relentless attacking. In addition Ashcroft's match drew the centre ring which was raised on a platform three feet above the other matches and was broadcast around the arena on multiple Jumbo Trons.
The coach for Ashcroft's games was the Canadian Olympic coach, Shin Wook Lim. Ashcroft was surprisingly relaxed after the first few seconds and settled into her game plan. The first round saw her opponent fall behind with a score of 5-0. Ashcroft stuck to her game plan and ended the game early with a point gap of 12 points and a score of 13-1.
Her next match was against the Ukraine. This fighter was not much better than her first fighter, suggests Master Wayne Mitchell of Yorkton Kee's Taekwondo. Things didn't go according to plan for Ashcroft, however. Two face kicks scored which advanced the Ukraine to meet the eventual gold medalist.
Ukraine lost by 3-0, a one face kick difference. Mitchell was extremely pleased with Ashcroft's first exposure to the World Championships and feels she was capable of advancing to a higher level. Her finish in the top 32 in the world is an impressive first start.
Ashcroft was also selected as flag bearer for Canada, a great honor for the young athlete.
