In the field of sport, 2023 has been a historic year for Taekwondo in the Pan American region. Under the visionary leadership of Juan Manuel Lopez, president of the Pan American Taekwondo Union (PATU), an ambitious circuit of 18 events has been outlined that have offered an unprecedented platform for athletes, coaches, and referees. This initiative not only seeks to strengthen national federations, but also to position athletes among the world and Olympic elite.
A Clear and Ambitious Vision
PATU President Juan Manuel Lopez expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to the growth of taekwondo in the region:
"Our goal is to provide as many opportunities as possible to all members of the taekwondo community in the Americas. We want our athletes to have the ideal stage to demonstrate and improve their skills, with the ultimate goal of representing us at the international level and at the Olympic Games."
2023 Circuit Key Events
The calendar of events designed by the Juan Manuel Lopez administration has been meticulously planned to cover the entire year, offering multiple opportunities for athletes to compete and prepare for bigger stages. Here we highlight some of the most significant events:
February
- Pan-Am Series I Costa Rica 2023: Inaugurated the circuit with a high-level competition that brought together the best emerging talent.
- Pan-Am Kids Championships Costa Rica 2023: Encouraged the development of new generations of taekwondists.
- Qualifier Central American and Caribbean Games, Costa Rica 2023: Pivotal in determining who will represent the region in the regional games.
March
- US Open, United States: A renowned international event that attracted competitors from around the world.
- Pan-Am Series II, Brazil: Continued the series with high quality showdowns in South America.
- Pan American Games Qualifier, Brazil: Crucial to define the teams that will compete in the Pan American Games.
April
- Junior Pan American Championships, Dominican Republic: A showcase for the region's young talents.
- Dominican Republic Open and TKD 3 Dominican Open: Two back-to-back events that provided valuable competitive experience.
June
- Costa Rica Open: Maintained the momentum of the circuit in Central America.
July
- Central American and Caribbean Games: A multi-sport event where taekwondo played a prominent role.
September
- Argentina Open: Outstanding for its organization and competitive level.
- Copa Presidente, Brazil: A prestigious event that brought together elite athletes.
October
-Havana Open, Cuba: Added geographic diversity to the circuit.
- Pan American Games: The pinnacle event where the true level of the region's competitors was measured.
November
- Pan American Children's Championship, Peru: Focused on the future stars of taekwondo.
- Peru Open: A golden closing for the circuit.
- Para-Pan American Games: Highlighted the inclusion and talent of athletes with special abilities.
An Unprecedented Achievement
The realization of these 18 events has not only been a logistical achievement, but also a significant milestone for Pan American taekwondo. The management of Juan Manuel Lopez and his team has demonstrated an exceptional ability to organize and execute a series of competitions that have raised the level of the sport throughout the region.
The success of this circuit reflects a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to the development of taekwondo. Thanks to these efforts, Pan American athletes are better prepared and more motivated than ever to face international challenges and carry the name of their countries to the highest podiums.
In summary, the 2023 circuit of events under the direction of Juan Manuel Lopez has marked a before and after in the history of Pan American taekwondo, consolidating itself as a model for future sports administrations to follow.
