Winnipeg reacts to Skylar Park’s spectacular bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics

While our athletes compete for Canada over in Paris, here in Winnipeg we felt like Skylar Park was competing for us, but now all that’s left is celebrations as Park will be bringing an Olympic bronze medal back to her hometown.

The second time Olympian missed a chance to medal in the Tokyo Summer Games three years ago, but got redemption this time around, after beating Lebanon’s Laetitia Aoun 2-0 in the 57-kilogram event, capturing Canada’s third-ever taekwondo medal.

“That moment was incredible and to be able to share it with my dad and raise the Canadian flag and take a lap around the ring was something special that I will definitely remember together,” explained Park.

Park has been training in taekwondo since she was a child, calling the sport a Park family affair, with sixteen members of the extended Park clan having black belts of their own. And that passion bloomed right here in Winnipeg at the TRP Academy.

“I think it put us on the map in realizing that taekwondo is legit in so many ways, but it also shows that this academy has proven itself to create champions after champions,” said Shayne McGowan, the head instructor of TRP Academy.

McGowan who was the first member of the academy, has watched Park grow up over the past 25 years, saying that the spark to become great was always there.

“Seeing her at age 7 and 8 there’s been videos showing what her actual dream was, was to be an Olympic champion.”

McGowan says this monumental achievement will go a long way for other Taekwondo athletes, as it shows anything is possible if you put in the work.

“They’ll see from her example from her brother’s example, that this is possible, talent can get you so far there’s no question about it, but it’s your effort and hard work that’s gonna help you succeed towards your dreams.”

While Park still has the weekend to soak in the full Olympic experience, she is excited to head home.

“My journey started in Winnipeg, and it continues to be rooted there and to feel the support and to feel the support from back home and from the team and community and my friends are so special, we felt that love here in Paris and I’m excited to go home and celebrate with everyone in Winnipeg,” said Park.