TOM AVOCADO - THE DEN S&C

It’s been a wild ride but I’m out ✌️
This is me formally announcing my retirement from Taekwondo.

After 10 years of being apart of the Australian National Taekwondo Team; being the #1 -68 kg fighter in country 10 years in a row and representing Australia at 7 consecutive World Championships and achieving an all time best world ranking of #7…I have decided to call it a day and shift my energy towards new pursuits. Although I didn’t quite fulfil my childhood dream I have come to terms with the fact that high performance sport is a complex and multifaceted and at times political industry.

I am SO GRATEFUL for all the opportunities and lessons it has provided me.

I want to first and foremost thank my family for always supporting me, believing in me and pushing me to be the best I can be. My coaches for educating and shaping me into the athlete and person I am today. My training partners and opponents who I have shared the ring with for constantly challenging me and pushing me to new heights. My friends and partner Ruby for reminding me there is more to life than sport and picking me back up when dealt with the low’s of loss and adversity. I want to thank anyone who has ever wished me luck, asked about my training, made donations to my trips, cheered for me in competitions. You have all contributed to my journey and without realising it, made such a huge impact on my sporting career.

Although stepping away, feels scary and unknown I am also excited at what other prospects life has to offer. I am also not gone altogether, I will still be training and assisting my team mates in the pursuit to a medal at Paris 2024. Together we can achieve something great.

I walk away, somewhat sad, but also content. I know that I did everything in my power to be the best I could be, I never sacrificed my morals to get ahead, and I stayed true to myself from the beginning to the end.

Thank you for following along there’s still plenty to come! 🤝