Medal haul for Taekwondo stars

Nine members from the Lisburn club were part of the Northern Ireland Taekwondo Team which took part in the recent championships.

The local members who headed to London were Coach and Master Peter Stewart, Amy Stewart, Emily MacManus, Joshua Reid, Victoria Kirkpatrick, Neil Reilly, Sharon Reilly, Dylan Reilly and James Mamijs.

The Lisburn team were delighted to win four gold medals, eight silver and six bronze, enjoying what Coach Peter Stewart described as ‘amazing’ success.

There were over 550 competitors at the event, with players from Germany, France, Russia, Ireland, Bulgaria, Isle of man, Scotland, England, Gibraltar, and Switzerland.

The competition was held over two days and every player from Lisburn performed to the best of their ability, bringing home an incredible medal haul.

The local club now have four British International champions with Victoria Kirkpatrick, Emily MacManus, Joshua Reid and James Mamijs winning gold in their events.

Club member Victoria Kirkpatrick, not only won two golds and a silver medal in her three categories, she also won Best Player at the championships and received a plaque from double World Champion Grand Master T.W Shin 9th dan.

The Northern Ireland team also won the first place team trophy on the day.

Coach Peter Stewart said the event, which was organised by Master Culbert from Northern Ireland, was ‘amazing’ for the team.

“Speaking to some of the players at the event they spoke about how well it had been organised, which is solely down to Master Culbert’s organisational qualities.

“All the kids were amazing on the mats, they performed at a level that as a coach was a pleasure to watch.

“Amy had 23 players in one category and to come away with a bronze was brilliant. For Emily to win gold along with Victoria, Joshua and James, is again amazing that they are now British international champions.

“For Victoria to win two gold and silver again was brilliant, and to also be nominated as player of the day at the event and be presented with a plaque was great for both herself and the club.”

Lisburn Taekwondo Club would like to thank Lisburn & Castlereagh sport and Lisburn City council for their continued support of the club.

For more information on the club visit www.lisburntaekwondo.co.uk or find them on Facebook.