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Taekwondo couple dress for success

 

Taekwondo couple dress for success

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AOC

TAEKWONDO: For most couples a few months out from their wedding, a visit to a change room would normally comprise trying on endless white dresses, suits, ties and shoes.

TAEKWONDO: For most couples a few months out from their wedding, a visit to a change room would normally comprise trying on endless white dresses, suits, ties and shoes.

Not so for Australia’s two taekwondo representatives, Carmen Marton and Safwan Khalil, who have been fitted for their Australian Olympic uniform in London.

The pair, who will marry in December, have lots on their mind this year – but the Olympic Games is first and foremost.

It’s Marton’s second Olympic Games after her debut in Beijing, while for her fiancée Safwan, London marks his first appearance on the biggest stage of all.

“Trying on all these clothes was really fun,” Marton said.

“All these clothes are great and obviously it’s a great moment to do this because it becomes real. 

It’s been a long journey in the sport for Marton, who has competed at the international level for more than a dozen years, firstly at a junior level, where she won the Korean Open in 2000. In 2003 she claimed a bronze medal at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival.

In 2005 Marton marked her ‘arrival’ in the sport, winning a bronze medal at the world championships in Madrid, proving to the world, and most importantly to Marton herself, that she had what it takes.

“Confidence is a great thing in sport, and once you have it, and you know you can do it, it’s a great feeling,” Marton said.

Marton will compete in the under 67 kilogram class and Khalil the under 58kg division.  The taekwondo competition commences on 8 August.

Damian Kelly in London

Olympics.com.au

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