By Brittany Drysdale
SAMMY Rachele, owner of Shepparton’s Koryo Taekwondo Centre, had a remarkable performance at the Oceania Open Championships, the World Taekwondo President’s Cup, and the Australian Open. The events took place in Queensland and attracted over 1500 competitors from 45 countries. These tournaments served as G2 events, where athletes aiming for the Olympics could earn world-ranking points.
Rachele showcased his skills and determination by winning gold medals in all three major events within his Poomsae (patterns) age category. Competing against some of the world’s finest taekwondo athletes, Rachele implemented a rigorous training process to get him prepared for success.
“I’ve been doing Wim Hof breathing and ice baths every morning for the last two years. That’s the first thing that I do. Get up, do my breathing, jump in the ice-cold pool, sauna, then train. I trained three hours a day for three months leading up to this competition. It was pretty tough, but I love it. It’s what I love to do,” said Sammy.
In terms of what comes next, Rachele has big plans for his future taekwondo career, and hopes to continue his passion for the sport well into his senior years.
“We’re going to hopefully try and get into selections for World Championships next year in Hong Kong. If I can keep training and keep going the way that I’m going, hopefully I’ll get in the team,” said Sammy.
“My grandmaster is turning 85 and he’s still going strong, and if I can get anywhere close to that, that’s the goal. The longevity. That’s what we’re alive for isn’t it, to live a good, happy, strong, healthy life.”
Congratulations to Sammy and his outstanding achievement, showing that hard work, talent, dedication, and determination can achieve anything.
