Manx Taekwondo’s Nino Ontoy will represent the Isle of Man as part of Team GB at the forthcoming 11th edition of the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships.

The local fighter will compete in the Cadet 12-14 A-class (under-14 individual and team) at Taipei in Taiwan off the coast of China from November 15-18.

In the seven years that Nino has been training with Manx Taekwondo and Onchan Trinity Taekwondo team under the watchful eye of Master Rod Nielsen, he has amassed a whopping 74 gold, 34 silver and seven bronze medals.

His hard work, professional attitude and committed training ethic, along with the unwavering support of his parents Dom and Josefa, have meant that Nino has been able to travel to competitions in the UK, Northern Ireland, Holland, Austria, France, Portugal and Germany, always returning with a medal, trophy and a story to tell his team-mates.

Nino has made history as the first person from the island to qualify for the world championships in the Far East, a journey he is seeking sponsorship for.

His qualifying competitions were the British Nationals, French Open, German Open and British International, winning gold medals at all but the French where he claimed silver.

After a long process of qualifying competitions, he received the official letter from Master Gemma Biescas, head coach at British Taekwondo Poomsae, and his selection was confirmed.

Master Rod Nielsen, head of Manx Taekwondo, was delighted with his call-up: ’I am humbled and deeply honoured to have Nino as a student for achieving this and hope it will inspire other students and young kids around the island.’

If anyone is interested in supporting Nino as he chases his dream to win gold, visit www.gofundme.com/nino-eyes-for-world-championship

For more information on Manx Taekwondo, contact 436181 or visit the club’s Facebook page.