Saverio Curcio, 12, won two gold medals at the World Taekwondo Culture Expo in South Korea. 20612 Pictures: Stewart Chambers.By Stuart Teather
YOUNG Taekwondo star Saverio Curcio certainly left an impression on his opponents at the World Taekwondo Culture Expo in South Korea as he walked away from the tournament with two gold medals.
The 12-year-old dynamo from Keysborough won gold in both the poomsae (patterns) and sparring events at the event held from 11-18 July.
Poomsae involves the competitor demonstrating his or her skill through a pre-determined routine of combat moves.
In the battle for the sparring medal, Saverio first fought an American competitor, who he beat 12-0.
“I kicked him in the head twice, and that got me four points,” he said. “I did five roundhouse kicks while jumping, and that got me more points.
“The second fight I fought a Korean. It was a bit more difficult because he got me as well.”
Saverio still dominated the second fight, winning 8-4 to claim the gold medal. He said the experience was a good one because fought competitors of varying types.
“They have different styles – the people that went from Australia all have the same style, the people from the US have a style, the people from Korea have a style,” Saverio said.
“I learnt that if I face them again, I’ll know what to do now.”
Not content with international glory, Saverio competed at the Victorian Championships in poomsae last weekend, and walked away with four gold medals and one silver. He won the silver in the individual competition, and the four golds came from team events.
Saverio has the chance to add to the bulging trophy cabinet on Saturday, when he contests the Victorian Championships in sparring.
