Taekwondo dynamic duo head to Korea
Two taekwondo national champions are punching, kicking and grappling their way to the upcoming World Taekwondo Junior Championships in South Korea this October.
The sole Queensland representatives, Ryan Yoo, 16, and Amarlie Evans, 15, will have the opportunity to advance in rankings and pave a pathway to the Olympic Games.
In preparation for the championships, the duo trains 6 days a week at Underwood’s Global Martial Arts training centre.
Sadhbh McCarthy – who has coached both athletes from a young age – says it’s been an incredible journey to witness.
‘It’s so gratifying for them to get these opportunities to get onto the world stage because of how much dedication and sacrifice is involved,’ Sadhbh says.
‘Their friends are going to parties and they’re saying “no” because they need to train.
‘The sport is unforgiving, especially at an elite level. They learn that very young and very quickly.’
At an early age, Ryan was recognised for his natural affinity with the sport and the ability to recognise patterns and predict moves from his opponent.
Meanwhile, Amarlie showed exceptional dominance on the mat because of her strong physicality.
Both appear to be primed for global success, with multiple national titles under their black belts after explosive displays of skill in countries such as the US, Belgium and Korea.
‘The aim is to get them to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and, of course, the Brisbane Games in 2032,’ Sadhbh says.
‘Ryan and Amarlie have an exceptional level of commitment and drive, with fight IQs years beyond most of their contemporaries.
‘They are the kids who have genuine potential to go toe to toe with the best.’
While Sadhbh admits the sport isn’t for the faint-hearted, she recommends everyone to give it a go.
‘Anyone can get something from the sport – little kids enjoy running around, kids with special needs learn to focus and families enjoy training together,’ she says.
‘You take those skills you learn on the mat into every aspect of your life. Little Amarlie used to be a shy little thing and now she’s like a machine.’
Fundraisers have been set up to help cover the costs of Amarlie Evans and Ryan Yoo to travel to Korea for the World Junior Taekwondo Championships.
