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Schools

Branford's Caroline Fowler Competes in the Junior Olympics

World Champion Taekwondo student medaled in the Junior Olympics.

Thirteen-year-old Caroline Fowler has made herself very well known in the world of Taekwondo.  Back in June, Fowler and Master Han of attended the Junior Olympics in San Jose, CA where she was a gold medalist in breaking, earned a bronze medal in sparring and took sixth place in form. 

Spending nine days with her family in California for the competition, in total, Fowler spent just about 16 minutes in front of the judges. Though it has taken three years to prepare for those quick minutes, Fowler said the chance to compete was worth it. Via e-mail, the young martial artist explained the hardest part is "training so long and hard and having only one shot at the competition.” 

In the sparring segment (light weight division), five people competed against Fowler; six in breaking; and 30 in form.  Fowler competed as a red belt because she just earned her black belt in April.

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In looking back Fowler feels proud that she had the courage and mental toughness to compete at such a level. Not only was she proud to represent Branford's World Champion Taekwondo, but she was also very proud to share the moment with Master Han. 

For the next two years Fowler will work on her second degree black belt. She will compete next year again in the Junior Olympics which will be held in Dallas, Texas.  Fowler looks forward to going with a bunch of students from the Branford World Champion Taekwondo School and hopes to see many of the friends she has made from the other schools.  

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Back in Branford, Fowler is an 8th grade student at .  She explains the way Taekwondo has changed her life by quoting the school's saying, “CRISP Determination” which stands for Courtesy, Respect, Integrity, Self-control, Perseverance and Determination. 

“All of these things have helped me become a better person, given me the confidence to do things I wouldn’t have before, and given me a focus and purpose,” she said.

Besides Taekwondo, Fowler also enjoys spending time with family and friends but admits that most of her time is spent at World Champion Taekwondo.  However, not all of that time is spent practicing her own form; Fowler assists with teaching younger students. 

“I love teaching Taekwondo to our younger students.  The kids are great and I’ve learned so much about being a ‘teacher’ and dealing with lots of different situations.  It’s also given me the opportunity to learn and practice leadership skills that I will use for the rest of my life.  I need to be at Taekwondo on time, I need to be a role model for the younger students, as well as having other responsibilities such as setting up for the events, cleaning up after classes and being a positive member of our Taekwondo family and the community.” 

It’s hard to imagine that Caroline Fowler is only 13.  She has learned a great deal from World Champion Taekwondo.  Not only about the sport, but equally important about herself and the skills she will need to succeed in the world.  As for her future, the opportunities will be hers for the taking but it is clear Taekwondo will be part of her life. 

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