Haitian taekwondo athlete Ava Soon, 19, became the Junior Pan American Champion after winning the gold medal in the women's +67 kg category at the Asunción 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay.

After beating Puerto Rican Valeria López in the quarterfinals [2-0], then defeating Ecuadorian Matvelin Espinoza by the same score in the semifinals, Ava Soon fought an intense battle in the final against Mexico's Paloma García, ultimately winning [2-1], giving Haiti the victory. "I'm thrilled to win Haiti's first gold medal; it means a lot to me," Ava said enthusiastically.

Beyond this athletic achievement, Ava's story takes on a special dimension : her father, who is also her coach, makes this gold medal a shared and deeply moving accomplishment for the family. "He's amazing. He always pushes me to improve. He knows everything about me. I don't think I would have come this far without his support," Ava added of her father's work.

With this victory, Ava Soon not only climbs to the top of the podium, but also opens a new chapter in Haitian taekwondo, proving that talent and dedication can allow her country to compete on equal terms with the continent's major powers. "We are very grateful to God. Thanks to Him, she won the gold medal. Even though I think it wasn't her best performance, she managed to win, so of course, I'm very proud of her," her father said. To which Ava replied, "You are amazing too."

See also :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-43556-icihaiti-taekwondo-ava-lee-in-first-place-in-the-zone-among-u-22.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43466-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43220-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/article-42907-haiti-actualite-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42872-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-41126-icihaiti-panam-sports-awards-2023-haiti-creates-a-surprise-and-is-nominated.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40840-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-40798-icihaiti-pan-american-games-first-silver-medal-for-haiti-in-taekwondo.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-39956-icihaiti-taekwondo-two-medals-for-haiti-at-the-2023-central-american-games.html

BF/ HaitiLibre