UPDATE: Unfortunately this morning (Wednesday August 8th), Gabriel Mercedes, who according to the Dominican Taekwondo Federation had a real chance at bringing home an Olympic medal, pulled the ligaments in his right knee during his first fight and was subsequently defeated by Tameem al-Kubati from Yemen, thus ending the Dominican Republic’s and Gabriel Mercedes’ dream of an Olympic medal at London 2012. Congratulations to Gabriel for his great efforts and achievements – we look forward to seeing great things from you in the future!
Gabriel Mercedes, a successful Taekwondo athlete from the Dominican Republic will tomorrow be representing the country in the Olympic games Taekwondo competition under 58kg division – with a real possibility of bringing home another Olympic medal!
Following the success of Felix Sanchez, who won gold in the mens 400m hurdles and Luguelin Santos, who won silver in the mens 400m – the Dominican Republic is understandable ecstatic and braced for further success – which according to Arquímides de Jesús, Director of Taekwondo in Casa de Campo and Exceutive Director of the Dominican Taekwondo Federation may well come in the form of a Taekwondo medal……
“Gabriel Mercedes has a real chance at winning another Olympic medal for the Dominican Republic. At the 2008 Beijing olympics he won silver, so this time we are aiming for a gold medal. But of course with so many top class competitors we’d be thrilled with any medal!”
— Arquímides de Jesús, Director of Taekwondo in Casa de Campo and Exceutive Director of the Dominican Taekwondo Federation
Gabriel Mercedes, who has won 5 gold medals throughout his 14 year career in numerous worldwide Taekwondo contests, as well as a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics will start his battle towards an Olympic medal tomorrow morning at 5:45am (Dominican time) and if successful will progress throughout the day to the quarter-finals, semi-finals and hopefully to the “Gold Medal Finals.”
Tune in to Telesistema (channel 11) at 5:45am to watch Gabriel Mercedes in action!
Good luck Gabriel!
The Dominican Republic – going for gold!
The Dominican Taekwondo delegation – currently in London 2012 at the Olympic games.
In the photo: Gabriel’s coach, Miguel Camacho, Gabriel Mercedes and Ing. Francisco Camacho, President of the Dominican Federation of Taekwondo
Taekwondo in the Olympic games
Taekwondo first appeared as a demonstration sport at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. On September 4, 1994, during the 103rd IOC Session in Paris, France. taekwondo was accepted as an official medal sport for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Taekwondo was then included in the official program at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Taekwondo is on the official program of the 2012 London Olympic Games and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
Taekwondo in Casa de Campo
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4 p.m.
Where: Hotel’s gym, Casa de Campo
Contact: Arquímides de Jesús at arquimedes62@yahoo.com.mx or on: 809-675-7364 / 809-467-1495. Hotel Gym: fitnesscenter@ccampo.com.do, Ext. 5185
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