ALAMINOS CITY–A sophomore female student from the Alaminos City National High School has given this city another reason to be proud after bringing home one gold and one silver medal from the 2nd World Taekwondo Culture Expo in Korea.

Melanie Hope Douglas, who competed with the full backing of the city government led by Mayor Hernani Braganza, was all smiles when she publicly presented her medals, her firsts from an international competition.

Douglas’ twin medals helped the Philippine team raise its medal haul to a total of 21 gold, 21 silver and 17 bronze medals and positioned her as among the upcoming preeminent young athletes in the province and nationwide.

“This award is for Mayor Braganza for reviving our local sports program and for supporting young athletes like me to achieve our dreams,” said the 4’11” Douglas who promised to intensify her training as she prepares for other local and international competitions.

“I hope someday I could join the Olympics, the World Championship or other international tournaments,” she said.

“Melanie is one of the city’s newest sources of pride. She’s a model student and an outstanding athlete and certainly has better future ahead of her,” the mayor said.

More than 50 nations participated in the World Expo that include powerhouse teams like host Korea, Japan, USA, China, Spain, France and Germany.

Braganza committed the city government and Department of Education-Alaminos to support her training and participation in future competitions.

Douglas was given a certificate of recognition by the city government for her achievement as an athlete and for her contribution to the city.

Douglas ruled the under-13 poomsae and also pocketed a silver medal in the sparring event.

Originally, she was entered for the sparring category but her second event turned out to be a blessing in disguise as she ruled the event despite limited practice opportunities.

Poomsae, known as ‘The Form’, is a pattern of pre-arranged Taekwondo movements, consisting of blocks, strikes and kicks.

Here, a jin uses his/her techniques to fight off imaginary opponents of her own size, attacking from multiple directions and at the same time making defensive moves.

In the poomsae finals, Douglas defeated her counterparts from USA, Japan and host Korea.

While in sparring, a form of self-defense, she surprised her Russian rival but bowed to her Australian rival in the gold medal match.

More than 50 nations participated in the World Expo that include powerhouse teams like host Korea, Japan, USA, China, Spain, France and Germany.#

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