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Lebanon took home three medals at the end of the largest global poomsae competition organized by South Korea – a performance worth applauding by a well-synchronized duo.
A total of 6,000 athletes from 29 countries clashed – virtually – in the digital arena of South Korea’s Baekseok University.
On the agenda: poomsae, the choreographed martial art where precision, fluidity and concentration reign supreme. Unlike sparring (direct combat), poomsae is based on codified sequences of techniques – blocks, kicks, movements – executed solo, in pairs or in teams, and evaluated according to strict technical and artistic criteria.
Lebanon in Tune with Poomsae
An official discipline of global taekwondo, poomsae is usually practiced in person, on a mat, in front of a panel of judges. But this edition had a unique twist: it was held entirely online, with each participant submitting an official performance video, filmed from specific angles and following rigorous technical standards. This innovative format, adopted by the Korean Federation in a spirit of post-COVID openness, did not compromise the level of competition.
And in this finely tuned ballet, Lebanon did more than just make an appearance.
Rhea, Carlos: Virtual Champions
On the virtual tatami, Rhea Sholy kicked things off with an inspired demonstration in the individual under-30 category. The result: a well-deserved silver medal, rewarding flawless technique and high intensity.
In the same category, her compatriot Carlos al-Zoor also delivered a solid performance, securing a bronze medal. The two partners then reunited for the mixed duo category… and earned a second bronze medal, completing a valuable three-medal haul for Lebanese taekwondo.
Under the Eye of the Master
All of this under the watchful eye of Grand Master Elie Cherro, the president of the poomsae committee at the Lebanese Taekwondo Federation, and South Korean Soo Oh Park, the special envoy from the World Taekwondo Academy (Kukkiwon) to Lebanon. A top-tier support team that successfully channeled the raw talent of the two young medalists.
A Remote Podium, Real Pride
Three medals, international exposure and a growing discipline – Lebanese taekwondo continues to make its mark step by step, movement by movement, even thousands of kilometers away from Beirut.
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