Double Trouble

The Galison siblings of Buffalo Grove - Ben (14) and Rebecca (12), attended the 2016 USA Taekwondo National Championship and left a wake of triumph in their path. Ben Galison, a black belt, earned a silver medal in board breaking, while younger sister and red belt Rebecca took home gold in poomsae (also known as forms.)

"I am very proud of them both." said their instructor, White Tiger Head Master Shik Lee. "Ben has proven himself an extraordinarily committed and determined student and his silver medal is the direct result of talent and hard work." Continuing, "Rebecca is coming into her own within the sport and receiving gold in forms is not only impressive but an important first step in what I believe will be a bright future for her in taekwondo."

More than 3600 athletes competed at this year's national championship, held in Richmond, VA, which boasted Olympic-level technology. The United States Olympic Committee recognizes USA Taekwondo as the governing body for the sport in the U.S., and victory at USAT's national level is an important step on the road to compete for the U.S. at the Olympic Summer Games, to be held in 2020 in Tokyo, Japan.

For young athletes under the age of 16, like the Galisons, who are not yet eligible to enter Olympic trials, the USAT Nationals serve as the highest and most prestigious level of competition they can achieve.