Breaking silver at Junior Olympics

Posted September 04, 2016 11:00 pm

Brndon Noel

Adrian Kakareko (11) of Arlington Heights earned both silver and bronze medals at the Taekwondo Junior Olympics, which was recently held in Richmond, Virginia.

Kakareko 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 TaeKwon Do in the United States.

Kakareko is a student of Head Master Shik Lee of the White Tiger Martial Arts Center, in Wheeling, and was amongst an elite group to earn silver and bronze in the events of board breaking and forms (respectively) for his age group.

Almost 3600 athletes from across the country gathered at the Greater Richmond Convention Center for this six day event to compete in various disciplines, including sparring, forms, board breaking, and weapons.

"Thousands of kids competed and Adrian was one of the few that actually took home a medal," stated Lee. "I am so proud of the effort and dedication Adrian demonstrated. It is this type of perseverance that acts as pure motivation for me as a martial arts instructor."

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