8-Year-Old Taekwondo Champion From Melville Brings Home Hardware

Eight-year-old Melville resident Preston Park won two gold medals and one silver medal at the 2017 USA Taekwondo National Championships.

Park, a soon-to-be third grader at Birchwood Intermediate School, competed in Olympic style sparring, World Taekwondo Federation Individual Male Poomsae and Board Breaking for his 8/9-year-old black belt division. The championships were held in Detroit last month.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci recognized Park and presented him a New York State Assembly Certificate of Merit for his achievements.

“At only 8 years old, Preston has clearly demonstrated himself as an extraordinary athlete in Tae Kwon Do,” Lupinacci said. “In addition to his extraordinary accomplishments on the mat, Preston’s hard work and dedication serves as an example to not only aspiring young martial artists, but to his peers across our community. Preston is also an outstanding role model to his younger brother who aspires to follow in his brother’s footsteps.”

Image via Office of Lupinacci