Team Jamaica shows grit at 2026 US Open Taekwondo Champs

KINGSTON:

In a field of elite global talent, Jamaica’s rising stars - Daniel Balli, Damar Walker, Neto Jacobs, Sabrina Allen and Brandon Sealy, faced some of the world’s most formidable competitors and delivered creditable performances at the recent 2026 US Open Championships held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

With divisions ranging from 20 to more than 50 athletes, the competition was fierce; and, while Team Jamaica did not reach the podium this time around, their performance was defined by tenacity and technical growth.

“For those unfamiliar with how international taekwondo works, some context is important. The US Open is not an ordinary tournament. It draws hundreds of athletes from across the Americas and beyond, many of whom train full-time, are supported by national programmes with decades of infrastructure, and compete at this level multiple times per year. To put it plainly, this is one of the hardest rooms in the sport to walk into,” explained World Taekwondo Jamaica President Kenroy Clarke.

Pointing to Balli’s performance, Clarke noted that the 15-year-old entered the Junior men 59kg Division against 51 contestants and was seeded seventh, recognition of the ranking points earned from his bronze medal at the Canada Open just weeks earlier. “That seeding alone tells you that the international community is already paying attention to Jamaica. In every single division, the top seeds represented the most powerful taekwondo nations in the Pan American region, countries that have been investing in this sport for generations. Jamaica drew those opponents, and the team did not flinch,” said Clarke.

Describing the Las Vegas experience as a critical foundation for the remainder of the 2026 season, Clarke said the team continues to look towards achieving qualification for the World Junior Championships and beyond.

“The US Open provided such a rich experience for the team. The momentum continues for Sealy as he prepares to lead the charge at the CAC Games qualification tournament in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic set for April 7–10. Sealy’s mission is clear - secure Jamaica’s spot on the regional stage,” said Clarke.

Following the qualifiers, the focus shifts to the 2026 Pan American Championships in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil from May 8–10. Clarke noted that cadet, junior, and senior athletes are laser-focused on the event, where they will go head-to-head against the top-ranked martial artists in the Americas.

Referencing the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal in November, a buoyant Clarke declared that the “Road to Dakar” is officially under way. “World Taekwondo Jamaica has its sights firmly set on the Youth Olympic Games. This historic event represents the pinnacle of achievement for our younger cohort and remains a primary strategic goal for the federation,” he stressed.

Reflecting on the team’s progress and the support they have received, the World Taekwondo Jamaica president thanked the Government for its input so far but said more support is needed to help the team to prepare for international competition.

“The Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Sport, has invested in these athletes, and these athletes are investing that support into performances the whole nation can be proud of. But competition at this level requires a lot of resources and we’re calling on corporate Jamaica to partner with us to achieve the vision. We are not just building fighters; we are building ambassadors for Jamaica on the world stage,” he asserted.