It’s been a long and rewarding journey for our targeted International High Performance Program team. 10 of ur developing cadet, junior and senior sparring athletes spent 5 weeks over the 2016-17 summer holidays training and competing in Europe and America.
This trip formed part of IMPACT’s ongoing exchange program with Spanish sister club, Hankuk International School.
Training
Our athletes had the opportunity to train with many high level athletes in Europe, including Hankuk’s own high performance team:
- Suvi Mikkonen – 2 times Olympian
- Manuel Beloqui – German Open Bronze, Champion of Spain senior, Junior World Bronze
- Victor Garcia – Champion of Spain Junior, sub 21 and Bronze Spain senior, 5TH WORLD
JUNIOR - Rosa Rodriguez Torres – Champion of Spain, US Open Champion 2014 and under 21 European Bronze
- Lucia Sanchez – Champion of Spain Clubs, European Cadet Champion
- Adriana Cerezo Iglesias – Champion of Spain, US Open Champion 2017
As well as the numerous HANKUK Cadet and Junior Spanish and European Champions and everyone in the HANKUK Team.
Education and Culture
An important part of our Spanish Student Exchange is the opportunity for our athletes to experience a completely different language, culture and way of life. Many of our younger athletes got to live with Hankuk families for the duration of the trip, sharing in the everyday lives of their Spanish friends and training partners.
With our youngest team member being only 12 it can be difficult being away from family for a long time, especially over Christmas. But this was made far easier when the amazing families and parents of our Hankuk friends welcomed our athletes into their homes with open arms.
When Hankuk athletes come to Australia we are excited to return the favour and they to, will have the opportunity to live with our students and experience Australian day-to-day life.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone at Hankuk for the hard training and great memories.
Thank you to all the families, especially the parents, who have accommodated our athletes and made them feel at home – you will always be family to us.
We would also like to thank the Hankuk Coaches
Olympic Coach Jesús Ramal
Alvaro Rios Fabra
Jose Luis Lara Pieñro
And last but not least, thank you to Master Danny Crkvencic who has been walking the 12km to and from training with our athletes every day, staying up late and waking up early, training our team twice a day, traveling to the Madrid regional sessions, staying up until 3am waiting for the competition draws and taking the time to make us all feel heard and supported. Without the time and energy you freely give, none of us would be where we are today.
Overall, what a great way to kick off 2017! Well done everyone on another successful trip. We look forward to seeing the results of all your hard work on the court this year.
