Taekwondo Prospect Lee Si-woo Wins Gold at World Junior Championships

South Korean taekwondo talent continues to shine on the international stage, with Lee Si-woo capturing a gold medal at the World Junior Taekwondo Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Competing in the women's -49kg division, Lee demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, defeating China's Li Mixi 2-0 in the final. This victory was particularly sweet as it avenged her loss to Li in the final of the 2025 Bahrain Junior Asian Games. Lee's performance showcased her resilience and ability to perform under pressure, securing a crucial win for the South Korean team.

Lee's journey to the top was marked by strategic execution, including a successful right-foot cut and left-foot spinning kick in the first round, followed by a composed defense against Li's advances. Her ability to maintain focus and extend her lead, even forcing an opponent's penalty in the second round, underscored her technical prowess and mental fortitude.

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Honestly, I was very nervous, but my coach gave me confidence that I could win, which eased my mind.

Following her triumphant win, Lee expressed immense joy and gratitude, acknowledging the confidence instilled by her coaches. She shared her past struggles, having considered quitting taekwondo multiple times during her middle school years, and expressed relief that she persevered. Her ambition now is to continue training diligently with the ultimate goal of competing in the Olympics.

With Lee's gold medal, the South Korean women's team climbed to second place in the overall standings, trailing only China. Meanwhile, Ji Young-jin added a bronze medal in the men's -63kg category, further solidifying South Korea's strong presence at the championships. The team's overall performance highlights the depth of talent and the promising future of Korean taekwondo.

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I'm truly happy and moved. I considered quitting taekwondo several times in middle school, but I'm glad I didn't give up. I want to work harder and compete in the Olympics.