World Championships - Beijing China - 18-22 May

3 Days after the Tans Open, Stephen Brown (National Tournament Director) and I travelled to China for the 18th World Taekwondo Championships.  Our main aim was to support Club members Byron Coleborne and Benn Nicholson.  Benn who trained with us before moving to MTC in Victoria will always be regarded as a club member.  We also wanted to see the best players in the world as they prepare for Olympic qualification in Manchester in September.  

Prior to leaving we managed to apply for media status.  Upon arrival, we went to the media hotel, where we were greeted by a whole bunch of volunteers.  For our entire stay we had 3 volunteers (Elvia, Angela, and Clare) who would assist us in getting around.

Byron fought on the 4th day and lost to Costa Rico.  Benn did the best out of all the Australians.  He beat Brazil, Spain, Croatia then lost to Korea in the Quarter Finals.

At the media centre with one of our volunteers Clare.

Outside the stadium with Australian referees Kim, Sam and Renee and Club members Byron and Benn.

 

The 2nd Morning we went to the Great Wall. 

Byron Supporters.  Byron's family just after he finished fighting.

THe volunteers gave me a surprise birthday cake whilst I was away.  

Someone told them it was my birthday.  They all sang happy brithday in Chinese.

 

Closing ceremony with some of the Australian players.

 

On our final day, the volunteers took us into Beijing City to see the Forbidden City.

(left to right) Michael, Elvia, Clare, Angela and Stephen Brown.