Left: Taekwondo stars (from left) Cameron Andre, Priscilla Chouneary and Natasha Fantane kicked their way to medals at the recent Australian Open Taekwondo Championships in Tasmania.By Glen Atwell
DANDENONG’S Melbourne Taekwondo Centre is celebrating the success of three young members who kicked and punched their way to glory at the recent Australian Open Taekwondo Championships in Tasmania.
Nine-year-old Natasha Fantane won gold in the 30-35 kilogram division, while nine-year-old Cameron Andre and 11-year-old Priscilla Chouneary claimed silver medals in their respective events.
Cameron said he enjoyed travelling to Tasmania to compete.
“I did pretty well, but I lost in the final 6-3,” he said.
“I was happy with my medal.
Cameron said he loved the competitive side to the sport and challenging other fighters.
“I train two nights a week and am always learning new things,” he said.
Natasha took home the gold medal after winning 12-5 after three rounds.
After four years of training, Natasha said she was starting to do some exciting things at training.
“I’m about to start breaking boards with bare feet,” Natasha said.
While the thought of breaking a plank of wood with a foot scares most, Natasha is looking forward to the challenge.
“It’s hard. You have to learn new kicks and punches before you do it,” she said.
Melbourne Taekwondo Centre is in Mills Road, Dandenong, and has more than 50 active members.
Rose Chouneary runs the Dandenong centre and said new members were always welcome.
“We offer a month’s free lessons to any new members, so come down and give it a go,” she said.
