University of Santo Tomas (UST) standout Tachiana Mangin etched her name in Philippine taekwondo history, becoming the first Filipino to win a gold medal in the World Taekwondo Junior Championships in 28 years.
Congratulations, Tachiana Mangin!
Photo from World Taekwondo’s Facebook Page
Tachina Mangin clinched the coveted gold in the women’s -49 kg division at the 2024 edition held in Chuncheon, South Korea, on October 4, 2024. Her victory over South Korea’s Kim Hyang-gi in the finals ended a long-standing drought that dated back to Alex Borromeo’s triumph in the men’s -47 kg division in 1996.
The championship match was a nail-biter, with Mangin prevailing in a thrilling 7-6 decision over Kim. Despite trailing in the second round, she regrouped and displayed remarkable resilience to secure the victory.
Tachiana Mangin’s journey to the gold medal was marked by impressive victories over opponents from Spain, Thailand, Egypt, and Greece. Her triumph was a testament to her hard work and dedication, as well as the support of the UST taekwondo program.
Despite nursing a hamstring injury, Mangin’s determination and skill were on full display throughout the tournament. Her historic win has undoubtedly inspired the next generation of Filipino taekwondo athletes and has solidified the Philippines’ position on the global taekwondo stage.
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