Lincolnshire Youth Earns Silver Medal at State Taekwondo Championship

Once again, Judy Kupchan brings pride to Lincolnshire along with her silver medal victory at the 2013 USA Taekwondo Illinois State Championship in Ottawa, Ill., setting the stage for future athletic glory. With this 2nd-place finish for Poomsae (known as Form), the 13-year-old now qualifies to compete in the Junior Olympics being held in Chicago, July 3-9.

The United States Olympic Committee recognizes the U.S. Taekwondo Association (USAT) as the governing body for the sport of Tae Kwon Do in the United States. Kupchan was amongst an estimated 1000 athletes who traveled from around the Midwest to complete in the IL State Taekwondo Championship, sanctioned by USAT. Kupchan's victory at this state-level USAT competition is what now qualifies her for the Junior Olympics.

A Red belt, Kupchan studies martial arts at the White Tiger Martial Arts Center (WTMAC) in Wheeling under the instruction of Head Master Shik Lee. “This seems like déjà vu.” Lee commented jokingly. “Judy is no stranger to medaling at competitions. For me, it's a matter of finding the right mix between her natural talents and overwhelming fortitude.” Lee who has been training Judy for several years now, continued. “Once Judy gets into her competitive mind-set there's no stopping her.”