Skylar Park set to lead small Canadian taekwondo team at Paris Olympics
Park, teammate Josipa Kafadar become 1st athletes officially named to Team Canada
Skylar Park is officially headed to her second Olympic Games.
Winnipeg's Park and Josipa Kafadar of Burnaby, B.C., were named to Canada's Olympic taekwondo team on Tuesday, becoming the first Canadian athletes to officially be granted their tickets to Paris.
Park, the 25-year-old who competes in the 57-kilogram weight class, reached the quarterfinals at Tokyo 2020 under the guidance of her coach and father Jae Park.
But she enters the Paris Games with her eyes on the podium after claiming gold in five separate events last year, including her first Grand Prix title and a victory at the Pan Am Games.
"Having the honour of representing Canada on any stage is always a huge honour, but to have the opportunity to represent your country on the biggest sporting stage in the world is so special," Park said.
"My team and I are extremely proud and grateful to have qualified for our second Olympic Games. I cannot wait to fight for the top of the Olympic podium this summer in Paris."
WATCH | Park wins Pan Am gold:
Joining Park is Olympic rookie Kafadar, who earned her spot by finishing second in the 49-kg event at the Pan Am qualifying tournament earlier in April.
Kafadar, 23, has won four medals since 2023, including gold at the Luxembourg and British Opens. She earned silver at the 2021 world juniors.
"Making the Canadian Olympic team has always been one of my biggest dreams. I've wanted it for as long as I can remember. The idea of representing my country at such a huge event makes me feel incredibly proud and motivated," she said.
Kafadar is scheduled to compete on Aug. 7 at the Grand Palais in Paris, with Park following in the same venue the next day. Taekwondo competition runs from Aug. 7-10.
Canada has never claimed an Olympic taekwondo champion, though Dominique Bosshart took bronze in 2000 while Karine Sergerie snatched silver in 2008.
Team Canada chef de mission Bruny Surin offered congratulations to Park and Kafadar.
"I am incredibly excited to support these athletes while they achieve their dreams and to experience this adventure with them. I can't wait to see Canadian colours shine in Paris."
