As the 2024 Paris Olympics is on its verge, the USA is preparing its roster, aiming to collect the most significant number of medals at the upcoming big event. Along the same lines, team USA has recently updated the list of contenders across different weight classes in men’s and women’s categories for the Taekwondo event.

In the unpredictable landscape of sports, a fresh narrative is unfolding. A new Taekwondo Champion in the 67kg weight class has been under the spotlight not only for getting included on the team’s roster but also for defeating the existing favorite. The unexpected fall of the favorite has set the stage for a compelling journey ahead. But who is this emerging champion?

USA’s Taekwondo team reveal without favorite 

As the 2024 Paris Olympics qualifiers are only a couple of months apart, the USA has recently revealed the list of top contenders on its roster who would be competing at the qualifiers for an Olympics spot. To display the dominance of the USA’s taekwondo team, they posted a list of top Taekwondo players on the team on their Instagram accounts. 

Along with the photograph, they penned, “USA TAEKWONDO IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE 2024 UNITED STATES NATIONAL TAEKWONDO SPARRING TEAMS CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THESE AMAZING ATHLETES! You have proven hard work, dedication, and grit equals SUCCESS! Thank you to all of the coaches, trainers, parents, friends, family and supporters who have helped to teach and support these athletes!“

There are a total of 10 team rosters revealed by USA Taekwondo. Interestingly, the team has announced men’s and women’s teams for the US National 2024 Senior Team, the 2024 US National Junior Team, the 2024 US Cadet National Team, the 2023 US National Youth Team and the 2024 US National Ultra Team.

Although all the names on the list are familiar, Anastasija Zolotic, who is considered the spectator’s favourite, is missing from the list. Instead, the list featured Kristina Teachout competing in the Women’s 67kg category. But how did this happen?

Will Teachout be able to clinch the 2024 Paris Olympics Gold?

Spectators expected Anastasija Zolotic to be on the team’s roster as she is the second American and first woman to win a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in Taekwondo. However, this did not happen. In a stellar showdown at the first match in the series, Teachout not only defeated Anastasija but also clinched Pan American Spot. 

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In an exclusive interview with NBC Sports, Teachout said, “(Zolotic’s move) didn’t change anything about my path because, regardless, when I go in there, I’m not fighting Ana. I’m fighting myself,” She added, “I didn’t win by beating her. I won by beating myself and pushing myself.” The major reason for Ana’s defeat is her right hip surgery that happened last February made her move up to 67 weight class instead of 57kg in which she clinched her first Olympics gold. 

Now, Teachout is looking out to clinch an Olympics spot. As she is already qualified for the Pan American tournament, she is aiming at a first-place finish that would award her an Olympics spot. Currently, Teachout is ranked at the 22nd position across the globe in the division. Will Teachout be able to clinch an Olympic gold this year?

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