The Taekwondo World Games Korea 2023 are just around the corner, and Germany team is in full preparation to compete in this exciting international event that will take place in South Korea.
The ITF sports team interviewed some members of the team in the run-up to the tournament,
Anastasia Alexandridou – Umpire
▪️ With what expectation comes World Games 2023?
“I’m expecting to vitness history making and unforgettable moments in the birthland of Taekwon-Do.”
▪️ What motivates you to be present as an Umpire in International Competitions?
“The future of Taekwon-Do and of that of our students is what motivates me the most to be an Umpire. The students/competitors train hard to compete at those events. Without Umpires such an event is not even possible. So if we the Umpires are not there to support an event what meaning is there for a student to train and to progress? I see it as a duty to support whenever I can the ITF to host amazing competitions and work together with those amazing people from around the world. Just as I did for the WC in Amsterdam. I’m really looking forward to meet my Taekwon-Do family in Seoul, again.”
▪️ Any special messages to competitors who will be present in Korea?
“I wish all competitors all the best of success for the World Games in Seoul.”
Kim Herzog – Coach
▪️ With what expectation comes World Games 2023?
“We come by plane and are on the road 24 hours with a stopover. Every country has its strengths. Some are better at tul, others more at fighting. And then of course there are countries like Argentina that are world class in everything. We treat every nation with the utmost respect and always count on the strongest opponent.”
▪️ What motivates you to be present as an Umpire in International Competitions?
“In the last five weeks we have again prepared intensively with daily training and sparring sessions. I think that our small team can compete against any country on an equal footing. We don’t come that far to not be on the podium.”
▪️ Any special messages to competitors who will be present in Korea?
“I have the following message for my team: To be the best, you have to beat the best. There are no excuses!”