Cade Bengert, the local Tae Kwon Do (TKD) practitioner who won the second place in the musical category in last September’s World Tae-Kwon Do Championships in Telford, England, has now been awarded his silver medal, having his name officially listed in the global standings.
Bengert, who practices TKD at the Dual Dragon studio in Stettler, said he was happy that his success would not go unrecognized.
At the championships in September, it was initially announced that only the first place winner in the musical category would be awarded a gold medal, but the second and third place winners would not be receiving medals.
But following objections from Bengert’s coaches, officials have agreed to grant the medal.
Bengert also competed in sparring and traditional forms competition in Telford.
Both Bengert and Dave Hargreaves of Stettler were members of the Canadian national TKD team at the world championships, where Hargreaves got a bronze medal.
Dave Hargreaves said one other member of the Canadian team had also been awarded the medal following the settlement of the debate over the medals.
“These results represent the best ever team achievement for the Unified Taekwondo International,” said Hargreaves, in reference to Canada’s main TKD association based in Saskatoon, SK.
“We are world class competitors and these medals put the stamp of approval on that statement.”
He said they were looking forward to promoting TKD further in the area with a tournament late in January in Stettler.