of U.S. Senior Team members taking part in the international competition. Craig was joined by fellow 2007 Senior National Team members Brian Gallagher, Luis Reyes, Dalia Avivi and Eleni Koutsilianos, as well as 2006 Senior Team member Lauren Cahoon. It was an international competition to test against the best. Matches were set so each competitor was fighting a skill set from a different country, something different from the style to which they were accustomed to fighting. Skilled fighters from every age and weight class were present. Each represented different training camps and each brought their enthusiasm and intensity, including Nancy McClane from Team Lee fighting out of Texas in the 41-50 division who, after winning her first round, remarked, “I like meeting other ladies my age who compete. It’s fun.” Valentine’s Day brought no shortage of fighting. Hearts were pumping and competition remained fierce. Your head was on a swivel trying to keep up with all the action in the various rings. Lots of aerials and attempts at aerials were presented this day. Spin wheel kicks to the head seemed to be the emphasis as China took on Mexico in Ring 1 during the 14 and up division.
The final day of competition brought out the cream of the crop. These fighters knew their skills and knew them well. As Mexico took on the Dominican Republic, a well placed side kick to the chest flattened Mexico early on. In the stands, friends, fans, and supporters of Team Jalisco from Mexico began a chant to fire up their countryman and keep him in the fight. One of the major upsets of the championships came when Breanna Bordon took on Danielle Pelham. Bordon, a local Las Vegas fighter without a lot of fight time, went in as the expected underdog against the seasoned Pelham. The fight turned out to be a classic. At one point Pelham took a toe to the eye but she did not falter. The fight went into sudden death overtime and it was Bordon who scored the upset. Ceremonies and awards followed to conclude an amazing weekend of competition. In addition, the U.S. Olympic Committee will be producing a highlight airing from this year’s U.S. Open in Las Vegas. The 40-50 minute webcast will appear soon after the event on the USOC’s website, www.teamusa.org. taekwondotimes.com / July 2009
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