AVONPORT - Marlene Myles is one proud taekwondo coach.
Myles, owner and head coach at Tidal Spirit Taekwondo, was ecstatic to see a contingent consisting of 21 athletes from the Avonport-based club collect a combined total of 45 medals – seven gold, 21 silver and 17 bronze – at the annual Hanmadang tournament in Halifax.
“As a coach, it’s absolutely amazing,” she said in an interview May 10.
“It’s a really positive thing for them. You can see the difference in the way they look at it. When they come home with those medals it’s positive reinforcement for them.”
The Tidal Spirit competitors ranged in age from four to 40-plus.
“It gives them a sense of accomplishment because they can go up against other students their own age and judge their abilities,” said Myles.
“The main thing they get out of it is the confidence and experience.”
The club recently fund-raised more than $10,000 to purchase electronic sparring gear that helps the athletes work on their kick placement and aim.
“My students are absolutely amazing,” said Myles.
