Filipino Taekwondo jin Kurt Barbosa secures a spot in Tokyo Olympics

By Macy Grace Clores

May 23, 2021- Kurt Barbosa joins the growing list of athletes that will compete in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics after winning this year’s Asian Taekwondo Olympic qualification tournament in Amman Jordan.

Photo Source: Inquirer & Kurt's Twitter Account

Barbosa surprised Zaid Al-Halawani in the men's 58-kg semifinals after coming back from a double-digit deficit late in the last round to win 50-49.

“Kurt Barbosa gave the Filipino people a timely reminder that as long as there’s still time left on the clock, we need to keep fighting,” said Al Panlilio, the MVP Sports Foundation President.

Because of his win, he became the ninth Filipino to join the Philippines’ Tokyo Olympic delegation together with Carlos yulo (gymnastics), EJ Obiena (pole vaulter), Hadilyn Diaz (weightlifter), Eumir Marcial, Irish Magno, Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio (boxing) and Cris Nievarez (rowing).

Barbosa and the Philippine Taekwondo Association will be supported by the MVP Sports Foundation in their Tokyo preparations.