An eight-year-old Richmond resident came out on top at the North American Taekwondo Championships held in Regina, Sask. last weekend.
Logan Minshall with Richmond Martial Arts and Josiah Kicks Academy competed in the eight to nine-year-old championships division.
Minshall won his first fight 3-1 by a judges' decision. His second match opponent withdrew, which set him up for the gold medal match.
After the two-minute regulation of the championship fight, the judges deemed it a draw as two judges scored the fight for Minshall and two scored for the opponent.
Minshall and his opponent then went into a one-minute overtime round to decide the winner per International Taekwondo Federation rules.
Despite a leg injury, Minshall won in overtime by a 3-1 decision.
“It was an amazing feeling to have the opportunity to fight on an international stage," said Minshall.
"Even though I won gold, my nerves got the best of me this weekend. I didn’t fight the way I wanted to and I have a lot more to work on going forward. I’m excited for my next competition."
Kayce Hopwood, Minshall's mother, said she could not be any prouder of her son.
"It was definitely the most nervous I've ever seen him but he managed to pull out wins in every fight," said Hopwood.
"He did really well considering all the pressure he was under."
Minshall will be competing in the Can Am International Martial Arts Championships on June 15 at the Richmond Olympic Oval.
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