AFTER a big year of competitions for the elite Haktari Taekwondo Academy team club members Misty Walsh and Bryce Altman competed at the sixth Commonwealth Taekwondo championship in Scotland representing Australia.
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After a very long flight both Walsh and Altman were excited to join and meet the other members of the Australian team made up of the best black belt fighters aged 12 years and up from each state.
During the days leading up to the competition the Australian team conducted full team training sessions in preparation for the tough competition under the guidance of the current Australian Olympic coach Ali Kahlil and other coaches from around Australia.
Day 1: One of Haktari’s best young fighters Bryce Altman competed in the 15-17 years 64-68kg division.
His first opponent was from England and Bryce fought really well, landing solid body shots using his long reach to his advantage.
Unfortunately he fell short just losing the close fought match 6-4.
With this being his first international competition representing Australia he fought extremely well and can be very proud of his efforts.
His English opponent just lost in the final to gain a silver medal.
Day 2: Misty Walsh is one of Haktari’s most experienced fighters and she competed in the open 59-62kg division.
Her first opponent was from Lesotho (South Africa) and Misty fought well to take the fight 4-2 using her good ring craft and a lead leg kick to the face.
Her opponent in the quarter finals was from England.
With the score close after the first round with good body shots Misty unfortunately received a hard kick to the face in the second round resulting in her eye instantly swelling and making it difficult for her to see.
Misty’s trademark has always one of a never give up attitude and determination and kept trying until the end just missing with a couple of head kicks of her own and losing the match, just missing out on going into the medal rounds.
Misty has had a big year with training and competing in Korea earlier in the year.
Proud coach
Haktari head instructor Master Jeff Crane said he was very pleased and proud of both Misty and Bryce.
“Both performed well in a strong international event.
“Haktari has had four black belt fighters selected to represent Australia at the Commonwealth championships.
“Hayley Robson and Lauren Corney who were unable to make the trip due to injury and prior commitments.”
It is a very impressive result for a small club and full credit goes to Crane who prepares his fighters to be able to compete against the best from around the world.”
Thanks
Misty and Bryce thank Crane for all his help and support in preparation for this competition and his extra time he puts into the elite sparring team throughout the year is greatly appreciated.
They would like to thank all the students and parents at Haktari for all their support and to everyone that donated money to assist them compete for Australia.