Vortex Taekwondo Shines at the 2025 Canadian Nationals in Montreal
Eight dedicated members of Vortex Taekwondo made their mark at the 2025 Canadian Nationals, which took place in Montreal from February 4th to 6th. The competition was fierce, and our juniors kicked off the event on January 4, showcasing impressive determination and skill.
Junior Team Competed on February 4th
Mariam Farooqui brought home a Silver medal in the -49kg category after two incredibly tough matches. She fought with heart but ultimately came up short against last year’s national champion. Despite the defeat, Mariam’s performance was a testament to her resilience and skill.
In the -46kg category, Annie Zhao earned a Bronze medal. Annie faced a challenging opponent in her semifinal and, despite a hard-fought match, was unable to secure a spot in the finals. Nevertheless, her performance was remarkable, and she continues to show great promise on the national stage.
Elliot Lu competed in the -63kg male category. Although he was eliminated in his first match, Elliot showed incredible grit and determination. Having only trained with the team for five months, his performance was impressive, and it’s clear that with more time, he will only continue to improve.
Amanda Zhao, had a tough start, unfortunately losing her first match. However, she took away invaluable lessons from the experience, which will undoubtedly shape her future training and competitions.
Senior Team Success on February 6th
On January 6, the seniors took to the mat, and they certainly made their presence felt.
Sofie Nicholson fought through three incredibly tough matches in the Female -73kg category. Though she lost her final match, Sofie’s effort earned her the Silver medal, a strong result against some of the best competition in the country.
Our resident Olympian, Josipa Kafadar, was absolutely dominant in the Female -49kg category. She went through three matches, giving up only two points the entire day and ultimately claimed the Gold medal. Josipa’s impressive performance reaffirmed her place as one of Canada’s top Taekwondo athletes.
In the Male -63kg category, Shane Britton showcased his strength and technique in some thrilling fights. He brought home the Gold medal for the third consecutive year, continuing his incredible streak of national titles.
Ethan Jenkins displayed his athleticism and aerial prowess in the Male -68kg category. With high-flying kicks and impressive spins, Ethan stormed through his competition to win the Gold medal for the second year in a row. His performance was a highlight of the tournament and one that will be remembered.
A Proud Moment for Vortex Taekwondo
With three Senior National Team members on the podium, Vortex Taekwondo became one of only two clubs across the entire country to achieve this incredible accomplishment. We are beyond proud of the dedication, skill, and determination shown by our athletes, both junior and senior. The future looks bright for our team, and we look forward to seeing how our athletes continue to represent Vortex Taekwondo on the national stage.