Fiji’s taekwondo athlete Venice Traill made history as she concluded her journey at the Olympic Games in Paris. Following her match on Saturday, she announced this was her first and final appearance at the Olympics.
The 27-year-old athlete lost to Great Britain’s third-ranked Rebecca McGowan, who secured a 2-0 victory. Traill has confirmed that this event marks the end of her competitive career, as she shifts her focus to coaching and supporting young athletes in their Olympic aspirations.
With a passion for coaching and sports management, Traill plans to return to Fiji to utilize existing programs intended to empower young athletes on their path to Olympic success. She is eager to share her experiences and knowledge to help aspiring athletes achieve their full potential.
“I am looking towards coaching and managing the sport of taekwondo back when I go home,” Traill stated. “There are programs in place where I can have this fulfilled. I’m so excited to go back and share whatever I’ve learned.”
In recognition of her dedication, Traill has been selected to be Fiji’s flag bearer alongside swimmer David Tolu Young for the closing ceremony.