FUJAIRAH, UAE (May 13, 2025) -The World Taekwondo Cadet Championships provides a unique platform for athletes born between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2013 to experience a major international competition and prepare themselves for what lies ahead in their career.
One athlete who seized the opportunity to full effect was Türkiye’s Sena Yilmaz, who earned gold in the W -51kg category.
She did not drop a single round on her way to victory in Fujairah, and for her this was a highly valuable experience.
“I had a lot of experience. Just to see this organisation [of the event] is a success,” Yilmaz said.
“I expected at least a bronze medal. I had to do that, I told myself.
“I am so happy.”
Yilmaz first began practising Taekwondo after moving to the city of Bursa at the age of 11, and is grateful for the support of a wide range of people who have helped her along her journey.
“I wanted to [do Taekwondo] before the beginning, but my mother was looking for a club. She supported me,” she said.
“My family, my team mates, my club mates, my coach, my friends, my school friends – they all supported me.”
Yilmaz trains as regularly as she can, and her devotion to Taekwondo is evident from how she balances sport with her studies.
“Some days I train twice, some days I need to get permission from my school to do training in the morning and evening,” she said.
Her mantra, which she encourages young athletes who want to follow in her footsteps to take on board, is that perseverance breeds confidence.
“Don’t give up, practise all the time, because you have to believe,” she said.
After her success in Fujairah, the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar is the next milestone for Yilmaz to aim towards.
“Absolutely, for the Olympics I want to compete with my flag. I want to be an Olympian, maybe next year at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar,” she said.
“I just will focus to take the gold medal again.”
With success at the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships under her belt, Yilmaz has much to look forward to as her young career progresses.
