Long accustomed to modest performances on the international stage, Haitian taekwondo athletes have historically faced considerable challenges. However, a significant strategic shift has allowed for a reversal of the situation.

The technical leadership of the Haitian Taekwondo Federation (FHT), inspired by the great sporting nations, has extended its search beyond national borders, recruiting high-calibre talents from abroad to represent Haiti. This initiative has injected new vigor into the team, illustrated by the recent resounding victory of Ava Lee.

Ava Lee lit up Querétaro, Mexico, this Sunday, April 28, 2024, by winning the gold medal in the under-22 youth category at the taekwondo championship. In the end, she faced and defeated an athlete from the host country, giving Haiti a resounding victory.

This performance is not only the fruit of his exceptional talent, but also the result of the thoughtful strategy of the Federation, which has chosen to balance its strategy by looking for athletes evolving outside of Haiti. While doing everything necessary for the development of taekwondo in Haiti.
In an intense taekwondo competition where thirteen (13) athletes were competing, young Ava Lee distinguished herself in an exemplary manner.

She brilliantly beat her opponent from Aruba in the quarter-finals, then eliminated Puerto Rico in the semi-finals, before triumphing against Mexico to win the gold medal.

With unwavering determination and impeccable technique, Ava dominated her opponents, rising to the top of the podium.

Contacted by telephone, the president of the Haitian Taekwondo Federation expressed his pride: “It is truly a great source of pride for Haiti that Ava Lee was able to win this gold medal. I congratulate her effort and that of her coach. This good result allows Haiti to be among the top six nations in America in the under-22 category.” For her part, Ava Lee declared: “I dedicate this medal to the Haitian people in a difficult situation, and I thank the Haitian Taekwondo Federation, my coach and my family for their support.”

The win also helps bring Ava closer to her dream of representing Haiti at the 2025 Pan American Youth Games. It’s important to note that Ava Lee’s success in the +67 kg category could pose a challenge for Aliyah Shipman, who also competes in that category. The gold medal is Ava’s third major accolade in 2024, following a silver medal at the Senior Pan American Championship in Brazil and a gold medal at the U.S. National Amateur Championship. She should continue that momentum.