By Takis Triadafillou
Young Greek Australian athletes Nicole Striglogiannis and Lucas Mamonitis from Royal Empire Martial Arts in Reservoir are heading to Canberra for the Cadet World Selections on 8-9 March.
A win would secure them a place to represent Australia at the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships in Dubai.
Nicole, a black belt, has been training six days a week for five years and has already claimed two national championships in Perth and Brisbane.
Lucas, a 3rd Dan Black Belt, has won multiple state and national titles and recently finished second in Malaysia, competing against athletes from 18 countries. His ultimate goal is to represent Australia at the 2032 Olympics.
Both athletes, along with five teammates, are hoping to make their international debut on the world stage.
Royal Empire Martial Arts, established in 2019, has a reputation for producing top-tier competitors, and this event could mark the beginning of an exciting chapter in Nicole and Lucas’ careers.
