Vaslav Ayala Talavera, a Mexican taekwondo athlete and world medalist, is competing in his seventh World Taekwondo Poomsae Championship in China. He aims to bring his experience to the team in his final participation in this category.
Ayala, who has won gold and silver medals at the World Championships, has already arrived in China to compete in the 2024 Hong Kong Poomsae World Championship, taking place from November 30 to December 4. This will be his seventh appearance at a World Championship event in this discipline.
“I’m competing in the under-30 team event. This is my seventh World Championship, and I’m excited because I see a team working with great interest. There are many young athletes with inspiration and motivation to reach the top in this World Championship,” shared the capital-based taekwondo athlete with the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sports (CONADE).
Ayala, who won the mixed pair title alongside Veracruz’s Ollin Medina and secured the individual runner-up position at the Aguascalientes 2014 World Championship, stated that his experience will be a valuable contribution to the national team.
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“I want to take advantage of these moments to support the younger categories—cadets, juniors, and even my own category. If I have advice or any experience I can share, I want to contribute. There’s a 10-year age difference between the youngest competitor in my category and me, so I want to make the most of my experiences, especially since this is my last year in this category. I want to help others with whatever they need in their journey,” emphasized the taekwondo athlete from Mexico City.
Throughout his distinguished career, Vaslav Ayala has earned gold, silver, and bronze medals at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla, along with a silver medal at the 2015 Summer Universiade in Gwangju, among other significant achievements.
“Taekwondo has shaped my personality for much of my life. It has changed me in many ways. I was once an insecure person when making decisions, but now I’m very confident,” he reflected.
Finally, he advised young athletes: “Work hard for what you want, but more than hard, work with intensity and intelligence. I believe one quality that defines me is courage—necessary to overcome fears, defeat challenges, and achieve the goals we set for ourselves.”
