Star Taekwondo in South Fort Myers brings home 31 medals at nationals

SOUTH FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—A South Fort Myers taekwondo team is celebrating after bringing home 31 medals from the 2026 AAU National Championships.

Star Taekwondo and Wellness sent 10 athletes to the competition, and every member of the team won at least one medal. The team brought home nine national championships, four silver medals, 10 bronze medals and eight indomitable spirit medals.

For many of these athletes, it was their first time competing on the national stage. The team faced new rules, unfamiliar gear and the pressure of high-level competition.

Anthony Langevin won gold for sparring.

"I was so nervous at the time because it's my first time seeing it," Langevin said. "I'm like, oh my god, it's so big."

Oliver Rivera said the journey to nationals required sacrifice.

"Sometimes you have to spare some things," Rivera said. "Like you got to trace some things out. You have to take a lot of time and effort. And I think that's why I love training because it gets you taekwondo."

Christian Valdez, the team captain, said sharing experiences makes competition a part of the effort.

"We all do the same sport and we do it together, so it makes it really fun and easy," Valdez said.

Ameilia Swindle said she joined taekwondo to learn self-defense.

"I got bullied when I was younger, so I came here to learn how to defend myself," Swindle said.

Grand Master Ingrid Ewing said this was the studio's most successful year at nationals. The studio is in its sixth year of operation.

"The most medals we brought home were three, and this time we brought home 31," Ewing said.

Langevin said the team's success was built on working together.

"It's not a one-man job," Langevin said. "It's like a team job. So, you don't do it by yourself. You have all your friends and coaches."

Ewing said the athletes showed dedication she wasn't sure they would step up to with the extra practices needed for this level of competition. She said she has been appreciative of the knowledge, time and effort the coaches have put in.

The team's new season is already underway, and Ewing said the goal is to get back to nationals. Tryouts are underway for next year's competitive team.