“My main goal is to do my very best and hopefully bring back gold for my country,” says 14-year-old Ariyah Downes from Christchurch who will be competing in Hong Kong at the 2024 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships.
Downes started Taekwondo when she was 7-years-old after her dad Leigh suggested it to help her with self-defence, discipline and fitness.
“Long trainings after school and getting my mindset right for performances has been challenging,” says Downes.
Ariyah says she is most looking forward to representing New Zealand, “I can't wait to get there and see the Hong Kong Coliseum where we will be competing and all the other people from around the world competing too,” says Ariyah.
Downes parents add that she has been training 3-4 days a week since she was seven so is able to do it with ease, “we are both so proud of her, watching how dedicated she is, is astounding,” says Lisa and Leigh.
