It is with pride and joy that we welcome back our Coach Ms Abby Sangalang and Junior Athlete Sofia Querubin from participating in the two-week Europe Tour arranged by Australian Taekwondo for select Performance Pathway Program Coaches and Athletes. This was fresh after the recent Senior Australian National Team World Championships Selection Event held on February 26 where Sofia lost to encumbent AUS National Team Member at her first transition match experience from a Junior to a Senior Athlete. The Europe tour included competitions at the Dutch Open and Belgium Open and cross training with the Dutch Seniors National Team and Australian Seniors National Team. 

Sofia fought well and gained valuable international competition experience at both the Dutch Open and Belgium Open, exposure and additional knowledge learned that she will apply to her continuing skills development as she transitions to a Senior Athlete. Results for the two competitions were: 

Dutch Open – 11-12 March 2023 

Day 1 -49 kg Senior Division

R32 vs Germany = R1 10-8, R2 1-0, R3 14-2 PTG

R16 vs Brazil = R1 2-3, R2 7-9

Sofia fought in Seniors -49kg Division at her first Seniors Open match experience.

Sofia lost to Brazil who was the No 3 seed of the Seniors Division in a closely contested match which was an amazing result given she is only a Junior.

Day 2 -49 kg Juniors Division

R32 vs Germany = R1 14-2 PTG, R2 = 8-5

R16 vs Denmark = R1 6-3, R2 1-3, R3 6-0

QF vs Belgium = R1 2-3, R2 0-8

Sofia reached Quarterfinals but lost to Belgium who was No 1 seed in the Juniors Division and eventual Bronze Medalist

Belgium Open – 11-12 March 2023, only allows 1 division

Day 2 -49 kg Juniors Division

R32 vs Poland = R1 2-0, R2 4-0

R16 vs France = R1 7-12, R2 1-7

Sofia bowed out to France who was the eventual Silver Medalist

Well done Sofia and Ms Abby for your valiant efforts and dedication to skill and game improvements at both competitions! We are very proud of our dynamic duo!