The most acclaimed taekwondo gold medalist in the last Olympics

Taekwondo is one of the most exciting and spectacular sports in the Olympic Games. It showcases the skills, speed, and power of the best martial artists in the world, who compete for the glory of their countries and themselves. In the last Olympics, held in Tokyo in 2020, there were many memorable moments and outstanding performances in taekwondo, but one of them stood out above the rest: the gold medal of Anastasija Zolotic.

Anastasija Zolotic is an 18-year-old American taekwondo athlete who made history by becoming the first American woman to win gold in taekwondo at the Olympics. She defeated Russia’s Tatiana Minina 25-17 in the final of the women’s -57kg category, after beating China’s Lo Chia-ling and Turkey’s Hatice Kubra Ilgun in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.

Zolotic’s achievement was remarkable for several reasons. First, she was the youngest competitor in her category, and one of the youngest in the whole taekwondo tournament. Second, she had to overcome a knee injury that required surgery in 2019, and that kept her out of competition for several months. Third, she had to face some of the most experienced and decorated opponents in her division, including two-time Olympic champion Jade Jones of Great Britain, whom she eliminated in the round of 16.

Zolotic’s gold medal was also a breakthrough for American taekwondo, which had only won two Olympic gold medals before: Steven Lopez in 2000 and 2004, and his brother Mark Lopez in 2008. Zolotic became the first American female taekwondo athlete to reach an Olympic final, let alone win it. She also inspired many young girls and women to pursue their dreams and to practice taekwondo.

Zolotic’s success was celebrated by her family, friends, coaches, teammates, fans, and fellow athletes. She received messages of congratulations from celebrities such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and former President Barack Obama. She also received praise from her idol, Iranian taekwondo athlete Kimia Alizadeh, who competed for the Refugee Olympic Team and won a bronze medal.

Zolotic’s story is one of courage, determination, and passion. She showed that age is not a limit, that obstacles can be overcome, and that dreams can come true. She is the most acclaimed taekwondo gold medalist in the last Olympics, and a role model for many people around the world.

Sources:

• 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Anastasija Zolotic first American woman to win gold in taekwondo
• Florida teen Anastasija Zolotic wins first-ever U.S. gold in women’s taekwondo
• Kimia Alizadeh: Iranian defector from Olympic Refugee Team stuns two-time Olympic taekwondo champion