Manx Taekwondo athlete Nino Ontoy has been selected to represent Great Britain at the 2026 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Chuncheon, South Korea next month.

The 20-year-old will take on a new challenge by competing in the pairs and team divisions at the event, which takes place in Asia between September 16-20.

Ontoy enters the championships as one of Britain's most accomplished poomsae athletes, having already secured his place in history by becoming the first British and Manx athlete to win an individual medal at the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships.

His bronze medal in the under-30 individual male category at the 2024 World Championships in Hong Kong was a landmark achievement, ending Britain's wait for an individual world championship podium finish while also delivering what is believed to be the Isle of Man's first ever medal at the sport's highest level.

That historic performance established Ontoy among the world's elite competitors and demonstrated that British athletes could challenge traditional taekwondo powerhouses on the international stage.

This year's World Championships, though, present a different challenge.

Rather than defending his success in the individual event, Ontoy has been selected to compete in the pair and team categories where success depends not only on technical excellence but also on flawless synchronisation, timing and teamwork with his fellow Great Britain team-mates.

The selection reflects the confidence that British Taekwondo has in Ontoy's versatility and leadership.

Transitioning from individual competition to pair and team events requires a different level of preparation, demanding precision, trust and seamless coordination between athletes.

For Ontoy, the opportunity represents another milestone in an already impressive career.

Having made history as the first British and Manx athlete to stand on a World Poomsae Championship podium, he now has the chance to help Great Britain achieve further success through collective performance on the world stage.

As the championships return to South Korea, the birthplace of taekwondo, Ontoy will once again compete against the world's finest poomsae practitioners.

A spokesperson for Manx Taekwondo added: 'His selection is a proud moment for British Taekwondo and the Isle of Man, whose sporting community continues to celebrate one of its most successful international athletes.

'With history already made, Ontoy now looks ahead to writing a new chapter—one defined not by individual achievement alone, but by the pursuit of World Championship success alongside his teammates in the pair and team events.'

Ontoy would like to thank Manx Taekwondo and Master Rod Nielsen for the unwavering guidance, support and belief throughout his journey.

Their dedication to his development has played a significant role in helping him reach the highest level of international competition, and he is proud to represent not only Great Britain but also the Isle of Man and the club that has supported him every step of the way.

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