The Haitian taekwondo team’s quest to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games ended in the Dominican Republic, without obtaining the expected results. Ava LEE (-67 kg), Aliyah Shipman (+67 kg), Gregory Jean Baptiste (-58 kg) and Saintilbert Jhonny (-68 kg) faced serious challenges, despite rigorous preparation.

April 11, 2024.- Faced with high-level opponents during the Olympic qualifications, the Haitian selection failed to win the precious tickets for Paris 2024. Aliyah Shipman highlighted the difficulties encountered following an injury that occurred during her second fight. The team members expressed their disappointment but remain determined for the upcoming competitions.

The Dominican Republic was the scene of the taekwondo qualifying events for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, preceded by a taekwondo camp financed by Olympic solidarity. Athletes from several American countries stayed a week before the events, which began on Tuesday April 9 and continued on Wednesday April 10. The Haitian taekwondo selection, constrained by insecurity and instability, had to rely solely on its expatriates and an athlete from Ouanaminthe.

April 9 was marked by the entry into the running of Ava LEE, who, full of hope, had to face the superiority of Madelyn Rodriguez. “My start was promising, but it wasn’t enough to win. However, the future remains promising,” she confided following her defeat. For his part, Saintilbert Jhonny has not found the key to thwarting the strategies of his opponents, while remaining philosophical: “Setbacks are all opportunities to learn. I will come back strengthened. »

The next day, the spotlight fell on Aliyah Shipman who reeled off two consecutive victories before seeing her momentum shattered by injury. “The injury that occurred during my second match hampered my performance. Nevertheless, wearing the colors of Haiti is an honor, and I will not be discouraged,” she testified, showing unwavering resolve. Gregory Jean Baptiste, despite a lack of victory, retained a spirit of struggle: “Each confrontation is a lesson. Future challenges find me ready. »

The president of the Haitian Taekwondo Federation paid tribute to the perseverance of the competitors: “Our athletes demonstrated admirable bravery. Their commitment commands respect and deserves unfailing support. Our thanks also extend to our allies, including the Haitian Olympic Committee, for their constant support. »

Faced with these challenges, athletes maintain a positive attitude towards the future. Ava LEE spoke about her desire to overcome these obstacles, while Aliyah Shipman, despite the challenges, is already looking ahead to future confrontations: “This is just one incident on our journey. Our unity and determination are intact to meet the challenges ahead, driven by the aspirations of our people. »

Although the Haitian Taekwondo Federation was unable to repeat the feat of Tokyo, hope persists for the participation of Haitian taekwondo in Paris 2024. This conviction is shared by the president of the Haitian Olympic Committee, who expressed during the Red Card show: “We have taken steps to obtain a Royal Card for taekwondo, fervently hoping that the International Federation grants this precious opportunity to the Haitian Taekwondo Federation. Thus, Haitian taekwondo could shine in Paris, a possible prospect given the excellent performance of Ava LEE and Aliyah Shipman at the Pan American Games in Santiago. » Driven by this glimmer of hope, taekwondo athletes must persevere in their preparation for a possible special invitation.