Local residents win gold at extremely competitive tournament.
The World Taekwondo Academy sent athletes to the U.S. Taekwondo Open in Las Vegas in January. Maple Grove residents Alasan Ann (17), Ava Lee (11) and Noah Pettingell (14) came back with gold medals.
“It’s a very high level competitive tournament,” says Grandmaster Trainer Eui Lee. Lee instructs Ann, Lee and Pettingell four to six times a week. With more than 60 nations competing and 2,000 (all black belt) competitors, winning at the U.S. Taekwondo Open takes hard work and discipline, which all of Lee’s students possess.
