MANILA – After securing a Tokyo Olympics slot, Filipino taekwondo jin Kurt Barbosa is hoping to defy the odds in the Summer Games slated on July 23 to August 8 in Tokyo, Japan.
For a former standout of the National University Bulldogs’ taekwondo team, it is a dream fulfilled to qualify for the Olympics and vowed to make most of the opportunity.
“Tatargetin ko talaga sa Tokyo ‘yung gold kasi naniniwala ako na kaya mo naman talunin lahat ng opponent basta mapag-aaralan ang galaw nila,” he said.
Barbosa finalized his entry after winning against Jordanian Zaid Alhalawani in the men’s +67 kilogram division semifinals of the Asian Olympic Qualification Tournament on Saturday night at Amman, Jordan.
Trailing 44-49 with 12 seconds remaining, the 21-year-old Barbosa connected three consecutive kicks against Alhalawani to turn things around.
“Nagulat talaga ako na nanalo ako sa points (vs Alhalawani) kasi ang hinahabol ko lang ‘yun gamjeon (penalty points),” according to Barbosa, who is the first Filipino Olympics qualifier in taekwondo since Tshomlee Go’s stint in Beijing, China 13 years ago.
In the qualifying tournament, Barbosa earned a bye in the round-of-16 before scoring a 40-33 victory over Molomyn Tumenbayar of Mongolia in the quarterfinals.
The once gold medalist in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and UAAP Rookie Most Valuable Player, will be the lone Filipino taekwondo player to compete in the Summer Games.
He will join weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, gymnast Carlos Yulo, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, rower Cris Nievarez, and boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, and Ilongga Irish Magno in representing the country in Japan./PN
