Konstantin Dittrich, Belgium’s representative in this World Cup, had a rather peculiar 2022, different from most other competitors. As he participated in the Taekwon-Do World College Championships in March, he took 1st place in sparring (-64kg), he took the month off from training during April. “In May I returned to training with a tight schedule and training 3-5 times a day. Unfortunately, I got injured in the middle of May and had to stop my preparation for about 6 weeks. In that time I gained 3 kg due to my inactivity. “
“Now, 3 weeks from the start, I managed to return to training, completing the planned preparation. Now I feel that I am in good shape for the World Cup.”
His passion for sports led him in different directions until he came to Taekwon-do, which he liked so much that he even “infected” his father. “I always liked the sport, I played soccer from 7 to 10, until they forced me to stop. Shortly after I quit, I went to a Kukkiwon Taewkondo summer camp in Germany, together with my brother. I fell in love immediately. I had the lucky that a Taekwon-do club was located just 500m from my parent’s house and that’s where my journey began.My brother and I started in 2011,one month later my father decided to join,and after achieving his black belt in 5 years, he and I started a club called In-Nae-Oppem.”
Konstantin Dittrich confesses that he loves competitions, “I love competitions, it’s really a lifestyle. Nothing changes much before each competition. I just sometimes catch myself thinking about different combinations/openings days before.”
He also tells us about his personal way of preparing before entering the competition, also with music but in a very original way, “it’s not something specific, it’s more of a routine, I get excited about electronic music and I dance to it as a way of warming up. “
What is his goal for this ITF World Championship?
A medal. The color depends on the day. I am looking forward to meeting all these great athletes soon and I will do my best.