June 03, 1998

AT only 10 years of age, taekwondo enthusiast Bianca No has a dream to become a "great Olympian".

With seven years' experience behind her, and recognised as an Australian champion at age five while involved in red-belt competitions, the Doncaster girl is determined to fulfil her ultimate goal.

Coached by her father Joon, Bianca was awarded a black belt at six. It was then she moved on to sparring (fighting) competitions.

"Most of the time I missed out on fighting because I was the youngest black belt in Australia, and there wasn't a black belt in my weight division," she said.

In March last year, Bianca competed in the Doncaster Open, but had to fight a boy because, once again, the youngster was left without a partner.

Winning both sparring and poomsae (form work) and picking up two gold medals for her efforts, Bianca said she was "very proud of herself".

"I train three times a week and have found that every championship I compete in helps give good results," she said.

Bianca's father is the taekwondo national coach and has this week escorted his team to the World Cup competition in Germany.

"I wish to go all over the world with my dad for championships in the future and I am aiming to be a great Olympian," she said.

"Through the years I have been training, I have learnt dedication, confidence and respect."

Bianca is this week's Doncaster Templestowe News Sports Star."


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