In a remarkable accomplishment of the current management of the Pan American Taekwondo Union (PATU), presided by Juan Manuel Lopez, the qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was held in the city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic during the month of April. This event marked a milestone in the organization and management of high-level competitions in the region.
Under Lopez's leadership, PATU has once again demonstrated its ability to coordinate and execute major sporting events. The successful collaboration between PATU and the local organizing committee was fundamental to ensure the flawless development of the qualifier, which stood out for its efficiency, safety, and compliance with established sanitary protocols.
Juan Manuel López expressed his satisfaction with the results obtained. "The organization of this qualifier was a monumental effort that would not have been possible without the dedication and joint work of everyone involved. I am proud of what we have achieved during this administration, and this event in Santo Domingo is a clear testimony of our ability to take Pan American taekwondo to new levels," said Lopez.
The event brought together the continent's best taekwondo athletes, who competed intensely to secure their place in Paris 2024. The following athletes managed to qualify in their respective categories:
MALE
+80 Kg.
– Rafael Alba (CUB)
– Jonathan Healy (USA)
-80 Kg.
– Henrique Rodriguez (BRA)
– Joaquin Churchill (CHI)
-68 Kg.
– Edival Pontes (BRA)
– Bernardo Pie (DOM)
-58 Kg.
– Lucas Guzmán (ARG)
– Yohandri Granado (VEN)
FEMENINO
+67 Kg.
– Arlettys Acosta (CUB)
– Fernanda Aguirre (CHI)
-67 Kg.
– Madelyn Rodriguez (DOM)
– Kristina Teachout (USA)
-57 Kg.
– María Clara Pacheco (BRA)
– Faith Dilon (USA)
-49 Kg.
– María Sara Grippoli (URU)
– Josipa Kafadar (CAN)
This qualifier, successfully held in Santo Domingo, not only prepared the athletes for the challenges they will face at the Olympic Games in Paris, but also strengthened the ties between the nations of the continent and the taekwondo family. The management of Juan Manuel Lopez and his team has set a new standard of excellence, demonstrating that cooperation and teamwork are essential to achieve great accomplishments in sport.
PATU, under the current management, has reaffirmed its commitment to the development and promotion of taekwondo in the Americas. The success of this qualifier is a reflection of the effort and dedication of all those who are part of this organization, and it is expected that the qualified athletes will continue to excel and carry the name of their countries with pride in Paris 2024.
The celebration of the Santo Domingo qualifier reflects the growth and strength of Pan American taekwondo, and a reminder of what can be achieved when working together towards a common goal. With an eye on the future, PATU remains committed to excellence and the continued development of the sport throughout the region.
