Taekwondo Golden boy Connor’s a real belter! MARTON taekwondo ace Connor Bailey won a gold medal at the Irish International Open Championships in Dublin. And Connor won in the under-14 category even though he is being only 11. Despite his young age, the St Mary’s School pupil is already a second dan black belt. But he is no stranger to defeating older competitors. He previously defeated all his rival under-14s to win the Robert Wright Cup in Thornton Cleveleys, where he went on to overcome adults to be crowned grand champion. This charity competition raise £4,500 for Blackpool Victoria Hospital, the Trinity Hospice and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Connor also took silver in an international event in Manchester – the WTF Poomsae championships – only narrowly missing out on gold. And he is looking forward to competing in the Portugal and Belgium Opens early next year. Connor trains under sixth Dan Master Craig Waddington with the Blackpool Il-Gi Taekwondo School at Stanley Park and Palatine. Anyone interested in taking up taekwondo is welcome to contact Master Waddington on 298168. Connor Bailey with his trophy Email us and tell us about your stories!