USA Taekwondo has a proud tradition at the Olympic Games, marked by notable achievements and historic moments. Taekwondo made its Olympic debut as a demonstration sport in Seoul 1988 and became an official Olympic sport in Sydney 2000. Since then, American athletes have consistently showcased their skills on the global stage.
Most Recent Key Achievements:
Anastasija Zolotic: Made history by winning gold in the women's -57kg category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in Taekwondo.
Paige McPherson: Bronze medalist in the women's -67kg category at the London 2012 Olympics and a competitor in three Olympic Games.
The 2024 Paris Olympics marks a significant milestone for USA Taekwondo as it is the first time since 2016 that four American athletes will compete in the Games. This is a notable increase from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where only two athletes, Anastasija Zolotic and Paige McPherson, represented the USA. The inclusion of Cj Nickolas, Jonathan Healy, Faith Dillon, and Kristina Teachout underscores the depth and talent of the current roster, setting the stage for a strong performance in Paris. USA Taekwondo remains committed to nurturing talent and achieving excellence, with the 2024 Paris Olympics poised to be another chapter in its storied Olympic history.
Athletes to Watch:
- Cj Nickolas: Men's -80kg, 23 years old
- World Ranking: 2nd
- Achievements: Gold Medalist at the 2023 Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru, Silver Medalist at the 2023 World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan
- Cj Nickolas is a formidable competitor in the Men's -80kg category, showcasing his prowess on the international stage. At just 23, he has quickly ascended the ranks to become the second-best in the world. His impressive performances, including a gold medal at the Pan Am Games and a silver at the World Championships, make him a key athlete to watch in Paris 2024.
Jonathan Healy: Men's +80kg, 27 years old
World Ranking: 12th
Achievements: Gold Medalist at the 2019 Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru, Silver Medalist at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile
Jonathan Healy brings experience and strength to the Men's +80kg category. Ranked 12th in the world, Healy's career highlights include a gold medal at the 2019 Pan Am Games and a recent silver at the 2023 Pan American Games. His determination and skill set the stage for a thrilling Olympic debut.
Faith Dillon: Women's -57kg, 22 years old
World Ranking: 8th
Achievements: Silver Medalist at the Grand Prix Finals in Manchester, UK
Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, Faith Dillon is a rising star in the Women's -57kg category. At 22, she is already ranked 8th in the world and has demonstrated her talent by securing a silver medal at the Grand Prix Finals in Manchester. Dillon's agility and strategic prowess make her a strong contender for the podium in Paris.
Kristina Teachout: Women's -67kg, 18 years old
World Ranking: 37th
Achievements: Bronze Medalist at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, competed against Tokyo Olympics Gold Medalist Anastasija Zolotic to qualify for the Olympic Qualifier, joined the USA Taekwondo Academy Resident Program at age 14
Kristina Teachout, the youngest of the team at 18, is already making her mark in the Women's -67kg category. Ranked 37th globally, she clinched a bronze medal at the 2023 Pan American Games and competed against the USA’s Tokyo Olympics Gold Medalist to earn her spot. Her early start in the USA Taekwondo Academy Resident Program highlights her dedication and potential for greatness in Paris 2024.
For inquiries: Jose Villalpando - jose@usperformancecenter.com