Ilongga jin Beatriz Karina Belicena of Jaro, Iloilo City put a dazzling show in the international arena after winning the gold medal in the 2021 Dajeon MBC Cup Seocheon International Open Taekwondo Championships in Korea.
Belicena scored an impressive 7.400 in the gold medal match against her Korean foe who was behind with 6.866.
“I focused on my flexibility and kicking techniques this time. Because in my bracket, all those young girls going up to my division are so flexible. And you will really receive a high score in presentation if your kicks are high. And until now I am still working on it,” she added.
Prior to that, the Ilongga pride who is based in the US also snatched the silver medal in the Copa Bicentenario del Peru International Taekwondo Championships with a score of 7.100. Ecuador got the gold with a slim 7.167 points.
Last year, Belicena played in Indonesia and lost for the first time. Earlier this year, she made it to the finals but placed 8th. “Maybe around two months ago, I played again and this time I won third place, next to Indonesia’s national team who both won first and second place. I am looking forward to another competition in Indonesia, hopefully I will get gold this time.”
For Belicena, she shared to IMT Sports that she’s very thankful in general that she’s able to enjoy and play the sport that she loves.
“Winning the tournaments in different countries really helps me with my self- confidence as a person and as an athlete. It gives me joy and helps me grow as person. If I lose, I think what can I do to become better? If I win, I think, yes! finally I am making progress,” Belicena disclosed.IMT
