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Gold Medal for Ava Soon Lee, a Resounding Kihap in MexicoAva Soon Lee
Gold Medal for Ava Soon Lee, a Resounding Kihap in Mexico
Ava Soon Lee
  • July 28, 2024
  • | 0

Gold Medal for Ava Soon Lee, a Resounding Kihap in Mexico

Ava Lee once again proved her mastery of taekwondo by winning a gold medal at the U21 Pan American Championship, held at the Arteaga Gymnasium in Querétaro, Mexico, on Saturday, July 27, 2024. This resounding triumph, marked by a powerful "kihap", symbolizes the strength and determination of the young Haitian athlete on the international stage.

A Journey Worthy of a Dojang Master

A Journey Worthy of a Dojang Master

Before this resounding victory, Ava Lee had already proven herself this year. In May, she won a silver medal at the 2024 Senior Pan American Championship in Brazil, and on July 4, she won a gold medal at the U.S. National Amateur Championship. These successive successes are a testament to her dedication and hard work.

Kihap

Kihap

The term "kihap" in taekwondo refers to the powerful cry that practitioners make when performing a technique. This cry is not only a demonstration of strength; it is also a way to focus energy and intimidate the opponent. At the U21 Pan American Championship, Ava Lee’s every kihap sounded like a declaration of her dominance on the mat.

The U21 Pan American Championship

The U21 Pan American Championship

The U21 Pan American Championship is one of the most prestigious events for young taekwondo athletes in the Americas. The competition in Querétaro brought together promising talents from across the region, making Ava Lee’s victory even more impressive. She demonstrated technical mastery and determination that captivated the audience and judges.

The Republic of the Stateless?

Haïti is making headlines all over the world. And it’s not good news. The exploits of Haitians rarely generate so much interest, but we always tend to point out the excesses, spill ink to stir up thorns in the side, broadcast on loop to relay the chaos that is raging. There is hardly any media to make amends for the resilience of this cornered people. No one to highlight the fierce resistance that serves as fuel for this people hanging in the gorges of death. And what if it was to a certain extent the only way to talk about this country to finally attract attention? It is July 26, 2024. The Olympic Games have just started in France. The 33rd Olympiad of modern times. Without realizing it, according to Forbes Magazine, Haïti ranks among the ten nations with the best costume, proudly pointing to third place. At the same time, miles away from France, on “The Island of Skillfully Orchestrated Chaos,” Haitians do not even realize how much this recognition borders on irony. A paradox whose unpopular evocation is likely to greatly displease. An aerial image shows the city of Paris in all its splendor, illuminated like the gates of paradise, reflecting all the grandeur of France, all the magnificence it has acquired over the centuries, without forgetting the contribution of the blood shed by the horrible machine of colonization. I close my eyes, I go back in time, I see again this boy left to his own devices, lost without even knowing it, doomed to failure without even understanding it. And then there are the others. Boys in the same situation, or worse. Banished from society, they do not know what life has in store for them. They form the elegant class of the marginalized, in their quality of scoundrels, good-for-nothings, and thugs who spoil the splendor of society. This contrast challenges me, and I wonder for a moment if those who live the chaos from the outside grasp the stakes and the reality of the situation. Moreover, it seems to me that even the majority of Haitians living in the territory have no notion of the fundamental and essential aspects of the situation.

A Pride for Haiti

A Pride for Haiti

Ava Lee’s victory is a source of immense pride for Haiti. Her success highlights the potential and talent of young Haitian athletes on the international stage. She thus becomes a role model and source of inspiration for Haitian youth, proving that, with dedication and perseverance, dreams can come true.

Towards New Horizons

Towards New Horizons

With this new gold medal, Ava Lee does not intend to stop there. She is now aiming for the highest honors in the world of taekwondo, including participation in the Olympic Games. Her goal is to continue training rigorously and preparing for the next international competitions, while proudly representing her country.

Ava Lee’s victory at the U21 Pan American Championship in Querétaro, marked by resounding kihaps, is a major accomplishment in her athletic career. Her dedication, hard work and talent have allowed her to shine on the international stage. Ava Lee is a true ambassador of Haitian taekwondo and an inspiration to all young athletes in her country.

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Faïly Anderson Trazil

    Medical student, software developer, UX/UI designer, and web writer.
    Driven by a deep passion for writing and digital innovation.

    Email: failyandersontrazil@gmail.com

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