ANDOVER, MN — Alasan Ahn just opened his own taekwondo school, but it only takes up half of his busy life. The remaining time will be spent preparing for martial arts competitions during the Summer Olympics.
The World Taekwondo Academy opened in Andover in February, just a week after Ang became eligible to compete for Gambia. This African country is for Anne his father's homeland, as well as the place where he lived during his childhood.
At the qualifying tournament in Senegal, Anne had to battle a hamstring injury to earn a spot.
Anne said, “I was overjoyed. I was really happy.'' “I was in pain too. So I thought, 'Oh, wait,' and then I was happy again.”
Anne, 23, graduated from Maple Grove High School and studied under Grandmaster Lee. He has been traveling for competitions for years.
More news: St. Paul softball player receives invitation to White House from Vice President Kamala Harris
“I wasn't even in high school yet,” Anne recalled. “But I'm not going to lie, I loved it that way because I got to travel the world and see all the new places and taste a lot of really good food.”
Anne is looking forward to the food in Paris, which will host the 2024 Olympics.
“The energy will be so high,” Ann said. “You'll see people working hard. You'll be inspired.”
However, he has not forgotten the importance of starting his own school.
“While I'm learning about business, I'm also aiming to become an athlete,” Anne said. “There are so many new things happening all at once. You just have to accept it and go with it.”
