Evan Medell

Evan Medell only began competing in Para taekwondo four years ago, but he has since become one of the most dangerous fighters in the topsy-turvy over 75 kg K44 division. In the sport’s most competitive division, Medell has become a fixture at the top of the rankings.

Last year was up and down for Medell, where he claimed gold at the African Open Championships. But he fell in the final at home at the Pan American tournament and tasted a shocking, first-round exit at the Asian Open tournament. He knows that consistency will lead him a long way in the division, but he expects to be at the Paralympic Games when taekwondo makes its debut in 2020.

“Every tournament allows me to learn something new and develop into a better fighter,” Medell said. “Now I have the chance to be the first-ever athlete to represent the USA in Paralympic taekwondo … [and] the first to ever medal at the Paralympics in the sport – it’s an incredible opportunity and privilege.”