MITTAGONG Taekwondo student Jacob Blatch exceeded all expectations by winning a gold and bronze medal at the second World Taekwondo Expo in Muju, Korea recently.

The 16 year-old represented the Australian team and there were more than 2000 competitors from 50 countries competing. More than a quarter of the martial artists were from the USA, and grand parades and culture tours were all part of the ceremonies.

The teenager was elated with his selection to the national team and had no expectations except to gain a lot of experience.

Blatch made the most of the opportunity, taking out the division B title in the 14-17 years category and bringing home a bronze medal in division A.

Blatch fought above his weight range in both divisions due to a technical error at the expo. Weighing in at 55kg, Blatch had to fight in the 59-63kg division.

After winning division B, he was relegated to the bronze medal match in the top division by a young man from Kazakhstan who went on to win gold in the final.

Karl Blatch said he was proud of his son’s achievements.

“There were quite a few of the more 'favoured' members of the Australian squad who did not get a medal,” he said.

“All up it was an outstanding performance and was the culmination of eight years of tournament fighting, which has included national gold.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Wednesday, July 23

sport.highlandnews@ruralpress.com