Ever since taking up taekwondo in 2023, it has been a dream for local athlete Fred Valentina to compete at the World Taekwondo Championship.
Fast forward two years, the 20-year-old is now in full preparation mode as he gears up for his first-ever appearance at the 2025 World Taekwondo Championship, set to take place in Wuxi City, China, from October 24–30.
“I feel so excited to be representing Solomon Islands at the World Championship. It has always been a dream of mine to reach the world stage, and now I’m more than excited and ready to make my debut,” Valentina said.
With only a few weeks left before the championship, the Oceania Taekwondo Championship silver medallist said preparations have been going well.
“Preparations have been going well since I started. My fitness level is great, and I’m doing well with the drills despite a few challenges we faced,” he said.
The athlete from West Guadalcanal will become only the third taekwondo athlete from the Solomon Islands to compete on the world stage. Valentina is determined to deliver an improved performance and hopes to inspire the next generation of taekwondo athletes.
“I want to make a difference this time and have a strong showing during the competition. I know it will be tough, but I’m ready to give it my all,” he said.
“It’s amazing to go out there and meet some of the best athletes in the world. This will also be my first time, and I’m looking forward to the experience while also hoping to inspire the young ones coming up,” he added.
Valentina will be accompanied by Solomon Islands Taekwondo Union (SITU) head coach Junior Maetia, with the duo scheduled to depart the country on October 15.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
