Geraldton local puts up impressive performance at Taekwondo World Championship in Kazakhstan

Geraldton’s Oceanic Taekwon-Do Academy member Khyan Townsend put up an impressive performance at the World Championships of Taekwondo in Astana, Kazakhstan last week.

Among the 15 athletes chosen to represent Australia, Townsend was one of the three proud representatives from Western Australia and the only competitor from a regional area.

Undeterred by the outcome, Townsend shifted his focus to the male sparring category in the -69kg, 16-17 junior blackbelt division.

In the round-robin format, Townsend faced opponents from around the world, with him clinching a well-deserved victory in his first bout against South Africa.

The following bout against DPR North Korea was a close contest, with Townsend’s skills on full display despite the narrow defeat. In his final sparring bout, Townsend’s opponent hailed from Kyrgyzstan and was a strong contender for the medal.

While the match did not fall in his favour he still fought hard in the contest and was exhausted after the event.

“I am a bit sore and bruised but as far as morale goes, I am feeling really good,” he said.

The Geraldton’s Oceanic Taekwon-Do Academy posted on social media after the event: “Our WA wonderkind Khyan Townsend sparred with heart and soul and made everyone (especially himself) proud.”