Taekwondo - Seven gold medals for Manx Tigers

Young Island fighters enjoy success in Liverpool

The Manx Tigers Taekwondo Club secured seven gold medals during a successful competition out in Liverpool in the last week.

The 13-strong squad took part in its second development competition of the year on Sunday, 18 June at the Whiston TKD Kyorugi (Olympic Sparring) event.

First-time competitors Julia Mitchell, Aiden Leslie, Oliver Hrachovec, Peter Hornyak and Kassie Sykes all took gold by winning their fights in two straight rounds.

Elsewhere, Erin Halsall battled her way to victory in an intense three-round contest with Juan Halsall also victorious in his fight by two rounds to one.

The club is also praising their other competitors - Heather Spiers, Tammy Mitchall, Graiagh Halsall, Eva Hornyak and Harrison Williams - for putting in valiant fighting displays despite missing out on top spots.

The club's lead coach, Richard Halsall, says seeing the young athletes overcoming their anxieties and fears to step out onto the mat is 'emotional and rewarding for both parents and coaches.'