SAMOA 2019: Following an intense selection event in Sydney, Australia’s Pacific Games Team has expanded to a total of 57 athletes with a 15-strong Taekwondo contingent named for Samoa 2019.

This follows the original 42 athletes from Athletics, Beach Volleyball, Rugby 7s, Sailing and Weightlifting, which were announced in June.

The Taekwondo team will be headlined by three-time Olympian Carmen Marton. She will be joined in Samoa by her fiance and dual Olympian Safwan Khalil, and her younger brother Jack Marton. Continuing the family affair is Safwan’s brother Ali, who is heading to the Games as the head coach.

Carmen, who won gold at the last edition of the Pacific Games, said she’s thrilled to be back on the Pacific Team.

“I had an amazing time at the 2015 Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea,” she said.

“The team spirit amongst the spectators, the volunteers and a big Australian Team with broader sports, is inspiring and motivating. I want to be part of that Team spirit and use it to fuel me home for the next 6 months!”

Carmen has represented her nation in the sport she loves for over 20 years, and is now working towards one last Olympic campaign at Tokyo 2020. She said she is making the most of every opportunity and winning gold in the qualification event for Samoa was no different.

“As I compete in my final Olympic cycle, I really am cherishing every competition I do,” she said.

“National team selections always bring on additional pressure and stress. I’ve had to stay strong and focused throughout some hard times this year, so winning this was a really special moment for me and my team.”

Celebrating her win alongside Safwan and Jack made the occasion even more momentous.

“All three of us were very focused on our competition day and fully aware of how important making this national team was.

“We understand the ruthlessness of our sport and how easily a fight can go your way or against you. It only takes one kick, or one referee decision.

“We were gracious in our wins on the mats, but back in the car on the drive home we screamed! By ‘we’, I mean me - while Jack and Saf were laughing out of happiness and relief.

“That is why I stayed in this sport for another cycle - not only to reach my full potential as an athlete, but also to share these special moments.”

Taekwondo Australia are sending a strong contingent to the 16th instalment of the Pacific Gammes as there are vital world ranking points up for grabs that contribute to Tokyo 2020 qualification.

Carmen’s brother Jack recently won gold at the 2019 Dutch Open and placed 5th at the 2019 World Championships.

Safwan Khalil and Reba Stewart also secured top-16 finishes at the recent World Champs in Manchester and both won bronze in their respective divisions at the Dutch Open.

The Marton siblings, Khalil and Thomas Afonczenko are all heading into the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games as the defending champions from the 2015 edition in Papua New Guinea.

Samoa 2019 runs 7 – 20 July, with the majority of sports based in the capital city, Apia.

See the full Australian Team for the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games HERE.

Australian Taekwondo Team for Samoa 2019
Women
Tamzin Christoffel 
Yasmina Hibic
Chelsea Hobday
Ruth Hock
Carmen Marton
Rebecca Murray
Serena Stevens
Reba Stewart

Men
Thomas Afonczenko
Damon Cavey
Safwan Khalil
Jack Marton
Alan Salek
Leon Sejranovic
Mackenzie Singleton

Georgia Thompson
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