Vancouver, Canada
Abigael Valdez of the Philippine Team bagged a Bronze Medal on the opening day of the 2016 World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) World Junior Taekwondo Championships at the Bill Copeland Sports Complex in Burnaby, British Columbia.
It was a good start for the members Taekwondo jins of the Philippine team who are hoping to win more medals in the next four days of the competition.
Makati City Congressman and former actor Monsour Del Rosario, head of the Philippine delegation, shared that Valdez had to win three prior grueling fights before winning the Bronze Medal. Del Rosario is a former Olympian who bagged several medals in the Southeast Asian Competitions and reached the Taekwondo quarterfinals in the Seoul Olympics.
It was Valdez’s grandfather, a Karate expert, who inspired her to try Taekwondo when she was in Grade 3. Now in Grade 8, Abigael’s dream has brought her to many places.
“I always attribute my success to God, firstly. Then I listen to my coach and believe in myself,” says Valdez, who experienced lip cracks and swelling fighting in competitions.
Mayor of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada Derek Corrigan is proud to host the World Championships in Burnaby “where over 100 different languages are spoken.” He says that Burnaby is truly a multicultural community.
