(Pre-note: Since I wrote this journal entry Thursday, the Olympic competition is complete. Diana and Steven did not medal. While it is certainly disappointing for the Lopez siblings, their hard work and determination to get to this level are still remarkable. As for the two Rookies Paige and Terrence? Their stories helped get them to Bronze — and beyond!)
Until I went to the US Training Center here at University East London to interview several Taekwondo athletes, I had pictured the martial art only as what I might see as I walked by the local Taekwondo studio in the town where I live. I did not realize the intensity and precision needed in this sport, and certainly for an Olympic event. That changed as I watched the practice at the workout room here in East London.
The sounds, to start, were almost startling. The athletes have a signature yell as they’re kicking the practice partners. It’s a release of stress, sign of strength and a signature of their moves and style.
The extraordinary thing about the Team USA’s Taekwondo team in 2012 is that two of the members, Diana Lopez and Steven Lopez, are siblings. Their older brother Jean (a former National Team member turned coach) is the US Olympic coach, and their other brother, Mark, medaled in Beijing. But Terrence Jennings, a third member of this squad, had to beat Mark to make it to the 2012 team. They’re joined by Paige McPherson, the other rookie, who has a colorful family story too.
After practice, I interviewed the two Olympic coaches: Jean Lopez who coaches Diana and Steven, and Juan Moreno, who coaches Paige and Terrence. You will hear from all six, but to start, here are my conversations with Diana, Steven,Terrence and Paige who begin their competition in London.