Published: 4:53 pm September 26, 2023 | Updated: 11:35 am October 19, 2023

Tionna Althea Quesada wins in Kyorugi for the individual category.

FEU High School Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand student Tionna Althea Quesada wins gold for Kyorugi Individual category at the 2023 SMART/MVP Sports Foundation Best of the Best Taekwondo Championships hosted by the Philippine Taekwondo Association last September 3, 2023, at the Ayala Malls, Manila Bay. 

Kyorugi, a Korean term which means sparring, is a type of Taekwondo which involves two players engaged in a regulated combat using different techniques of kicks, punches, and defense. The black belter and Academic Achievement Gold (AA Gold) scholar of FEU High School represented the Far Eastern University (FEU) Taekwondo team and dominated against representatives of universities from 19 regions in the country. 

Quesada shared personal challenges and motivations whilst preparing for the tournament. “While there are times when I find myself challenged, my distant yet supportive family, along with my coaches and my partner, serve as my pillars of strength on the path to my success,” she revealed. 

Quesada was born and raised in General Santos City. Her father, a martial arts enthusiast, introduced her to the sport while seeing a Taekwondo performance at a mall. At age 6, she started training at the Asian Institute of Discipline Arts in her hometown.  

Being an academic scholar at FEU High School, she is deeply grateful for the school’s emphasis on excellence, one of its core principles. This drives her to always push herself and to achieve the best. “I have a lot to prove to the school. I often doubt my abilities, but the value of excellence taught me to continuously persevere to reach my goals,” Quesada added.  

The gold medalist is scheduled to compete in the National Interschool competition by the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) from September 30 to October 1 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) is the official national governing body of the said sport.  

For more information, please visit feuhighschool.edu.ph.