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Silver shines in Buffalo Grove

Champions come in many shapes and sizes with spirit and determination as hallmark traits that accompany such a prestigious title. For taekwondo athlete Alana Heinrichs of Buffalo Grove, the 2016 USA Taekwondo National Championship was a milestone of personal achievement that has set the 8-year-old on her path to what could someday lead her to holding the title - Champion -- on a much bigger stage.

According to the instructors of the White Tiger Martial Arts Center in Wheeling, the tiny framed fireball seems to succeed at every challenge that is presented to her. "Alana's competitiveness and ability at sparring are truly inspiring," commented Heinrichs' instructor, Head Master Shik Lee.

With a big smile and a gleam in her eye that matched the shimmer from the silver medal hanging around her neck, it is no wonder that her instructors seem to be immensely proud of Heinrichs. More than 3600 athletes competed in this year's USA Taekwondo Junior Olympics and only a very small percentage have the ability to medal; that puts her in the top tier of taekwondo sparring athletes in the nation for her age and belt rank.

All eyes will be on this young athlete as she continues to compete, for we may just be witnessing the emergence of an athlete that can become not just a 'Champion' but an Olympian.

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