Deaflympics Taekwondo takes Taiwan by storm

September 6, 7:50 PMMartial Arts ExaminerNancy Robinson

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A world competition event for deaf athletes, the Deaflympics held in Taiwan this year has seen the first Taipei gold medal of the competition won by Taekwondo stylist Chen I-Chun.  In an under 49kg match with Vasiliki Zapanti-Fragkou of Greece, Chen I-Chun beat her opponent 8-0, winning the first gold medal for the games hosts.  The 21st Summer Deaflympics Taipei 2009 is being held September 5-15, 2009, hosting more than 80 countries and 4000 athletes.

With competition held at the National Taipei University of Education Sport Hall, other deaf Taekwondo competitors in this year's Deaflympics include Roman "Rusty" Nawrocki, a Florida state Taekwondo champion representing the United States and Ivan Mok You Qiang, representing Singapore.  This year marks the premiere of Taekwondo, Karate and Judo at the Deaflympic Games.