Raymond Reyes brings Junior Olympic bronze home to Glenview

Raymond Reyes, a Glenview 5 year-old, earned a bronze medal at the Junior Olympics, which was recently held in Dallas, TX. Reyes earned the right to compete in the Junior Olympics earlier this year when he placed in a top spot at the USA Taekwondo Illinois State Championship. USA Taekwondo is recognized by the United States Olympic Committee as the national governing body for the sport of Tae Kwon Do in the United States.

Reyes is a student of Head Master Shik Lee of the White Tiger Martial Arts Center, in Wheeling, IL, and was amongst a small group to medal by earning bronze in board breaking for his age group. Almost 3,200 competitors from across the country gathered at the Dallas Convention Center for this six day event to compete in various disciplines, including sparring, forms, board breaking and weapons.

“For children as young as Ray, concentration can be a hard aspect to develop,” Lee commented. “Not only has he learned to concentrate, but he has also developed himself beyond what can normally be expected of a 5-year old. Ray is well on his way to achieving great things in his life. This is one remarkable step in what is sure to be a lifetime filled with achievements.”