Ethiopian Taekwondo competitor, Henok Reda, 34.


Saturday 10 November

By Grace Gibson 

Henok Reda, 34, has travelled an incredible 12,000km from Ethiopia to the Gold Coast to compete in taekwondo at his first Pan Pacific Masters Games.

The softly-spoken journeyman and martial arts exponent is here because he says he wants to expand his expertise in the sport.

“In Ethiopia, taekwondo isn’t really developed, so I decided to come to the masters games to expand my skills and knowledge,” Henok said.

Fortunately, he has been able to turn his favourite hobby into a full-time career back in his home country.

“Taekwondo is my passion and hobby, and I’ve been doing it as my job for the past 12 years,” Henok said.

“This is my third time competing internationally, but I compete all the time in local contests at home.” 

Henok says he cannot wait to explore what the Gold Coast has to offer.

“I would love to come back and compete at the next games.

“I really like Australia and am planning to go to the beach after I’m finished competing, I can’t wait!”



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