FOUR Hae Taekwondo members came home sporting massive smiles from their national competition recently.

The Whakatane-based club had four competitors take part, Camryn Eastwood, Deonaid Eastwood, Joanna Northey and Jordan Northey-Singsam, all of whom returned with at least one medal.

Camryn and Deonaid came home with silver medals from sparring, Joanna won gold in patterns and silver in sparring, while Jordan picked up a silver in sparring and bronze in patterns, capping a successful weekend for the club.

Coach Gemma Eastwood is proud of all four club members.

“They worked so hard, and it paid off.”

She said there was some strong competition in Palmerston North, so performing as well as they did was positive for the club moving forward.

“There was a very high standard, with some large divisions, so placing at all was a challenge.”

She said there were plenty of exciting moments for her to cherish across the two days of competition.

“Watching my students work and adapt was great. Being a smaller club far away from other clubs means they don’t often get to practise with other competitors at their level, so for them to hold their own was impressive. Seeing the camaraderie, perseverance and indomitable spirit really come through was such a highlight. I’m so pleased for them.”

Eastwood said the success of the four competitors had already lit a fuse to get more club members competing at nationals in years to come.

“It’s brought out the competitive spirit in the club and set a fire under my other students to attend nationals next year.”