2023 EITF European Championships, Jesolo Italy
Success for Team Nuneaton at the European Championships
After months of preparation, Nuneaton Taekwon-Do Blackbelts Billy Iyalla III, Ella Barnes I and George Wright I, together with ITF England coach Miss Danielle Williams IV, flew out to Jesolo in Italy to compete at the 2023 EITF European Championships.
After arriving on Monday 17th, the team successfully weighed in and spent the next two days getting the final preparation in ahead of the competition.
Technical difficulties at the Palazzo del Turismo meant that the Adult categories did not start until Day 2 for Team Nuneaton so after a relaxed first day Ella took to the mat early on on Thursday in the Ladies I Dan Patterns.
Ella performed a very strong Pattern but unfortunately lost out to Bulgaria who progressed to the second round. She then joined the England Ladies Team Patterns to beat Greece to progress to the semi finals before losing to Czech Republic and having to settle for a Bronze this time.
In the Mens I Dan Patterns, George stepped up for his first Adult Euros against Bulgaria. Despite a strong Ge Baek and Hwa Rang from George, it wasn't to be with Bulgaria securing the win. In the Men's Team Patterns, England faced Bulgaria and won with a solid Ge Baek and Joong Gun before facing Ukraine in semi finals. Ukraine won the round meaning a Bronze for Team England.
In the Veteran Mens III Dan Patterns Billy performed well but lost out to the eventual gold medal winner Norway in the semi finals but not without receiving a Bronze for his efforts.
In the Sparring, Ella looking better than ever in the Ladies -57kg Sparring facing Estonia and Czech Republic in the group stages. It wasn't to be though with the Czech competitor won the group to go through to the elimination stages.
George also stepped out onto the mat in Men's -71kg Sparring. A tough group with Croatia, Greece and Cyprus but excellent performance from George to win over the Cypriot.
Billy faced fellow England competitor Steve Fedor in the Veteran +90kg Sparring. A very close match with Mr Fedor just getting the edge to mean a Bronze for Billy.
In the Adult Team Sparring, the men faced Czech Republic first. Despite taking the Czechs to 4 fights, England weren't able to secure the win but all is looking bright for the future.
The Ladies team earned a well deserved Bronze in Team Sparring after beating Ukraine in back to back wins but then losing to the eventual Gold medal winners Bulgaria in the next round.
Medals for Team Nuneaton
Billy Iyalla
- Bronze in Veteran Male 45+ years III Dan Patterns
- Bronze in Veteran Male 45+ years +90kg Sparring
Ella Barnes
- Bronze in Adult Female Team Patterns
- Bronze in Adult Female Team Sparring
George Wright
- Bronze in Adult Male Team Patterns
Next for Team Nuneaton
The work doesn't stop! Next up is the 2023 ITF World Championships in Kazakhstan in August, and the 2024 EITF European Championships in Koper, Slovenia.
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