Listen to the article
Laëtitia Aoun, one of Lebanon’s rising taekwondo stars, delivered an intense and emotional fight for the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Facing Canadian Skylar Park, the Lebanese athlete gave it her all, but her dream of standing on the podium vanished in the final seconds. A performance that will be etched in the history of Lebanese sports.
Round of 16: A Strong Start
Laëtitia Aoun began her day with a solid victory against Lo Chia-Ling from Chinese Taipei in the round of 16. With a head kick early in the match and perfect round management, Aoun confidently advanced to the quarterfinals, proving she was ready to compete on the biggest stage.
Quarterfinals: A Hard-Fought Battle
In the quarterfinals, she faced Miljana Reljikj from North Macedonia in a match where every point counted. Laëtitia showed remarkable determination, landing precise kicks despite several penalties, ultimately securing her place in the semifinals.
Semifinal: Resisting Iranian Power
In the semifinal against Iran’s Nahid Kiyanichandeh, Laëtitia Aoun encountered a formidable opponent. Although she opened the scoring with a head kick, the Iranian quickly gained the upper hand, handing the Lebanese athlete a tough 19-3 defeat. Despite the loss, Aoun remained composed and prepared for the decisive bronze medal match.
Bronze Medal Match: A Battle of Wills
For the bronze medal, Laëtitia Aoun faced Canadian Skylar Park in a duel where every second counted. The first round was marked by intense focus on both sides, with neither landing a decisive blow. Aoun’s defense was particularly solid, withstanding the Canadian’s impactful attacks, leaving the score tied at 0-0 by the end of the round.
The second round shifted at 1 minute and 16 seconds to go when Skylar Park landed a crucial head kick, taking the lead. Laëtitia then received a Gam-jeom, but saw her opponent get two penalties, reviving hopes for a comeback. In the final seconds, Aoun attempted a last head kick, which, unfortunately, was not validated by the judges. The final whistle blew, marking the end of a courageous journey for the Lebanese athlete.
Laëtitia Aoun leaves the Olympic Games without a medal but with her head held high and the respect of all. Her journey, filled with challenges and emotions, is a model of courage and perseverance. Despite the disappointment of this final match, she proved she belongs among the world’s taekwondo elite. The stage is set for future international competitions.
