Aiming for top of world

HIGH FLYER: Clint King, who is off to the Taekwon-Do World Championships, says the sport promotes fitness and discipline, and provides a positive family environment. 137071AD

By Grant Johnston

Clint King believes the New Zealand Taekwon-Do team he is a part of can claim gold at the World Championships in Canada this month.

The 30-year-old Waikeria Prison officer is a stalwart member of Waikeria Hawks Taekwon-Do Club. He has been training hard with the 16-strong New Zealand team in Taupo and Auckland and has seen enough to convince him they are serious prospects for gold.

The second dan attended the last World Championships in Germany two years ago, where his New Zealand team was fourth overall and picked up gold in teams speciality technique and bronze in team power.

He expresses appreciation to Waipa Workingmen’s Club (venue for Waikeria Hawks’ training) which has donated $1000 towards the $5,500 cost of his trip and to his family for their support.

Fundraising is ongoing - donations can be at Waipa Workingmen’s Club.

The King family is not to be messed with - Clint’s dad, Robert (who also works at Waikeria) studied taekwon-do, mum Gloria and brother Ashley have black belts and sister Jasmine a black stripe.