Skylar and Marc-André to Represent Canada at the GP Final in Ivory Coast

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Skylar Park (F-57kg) and Marc-André Bergeron (M+80kg) will represent Canada at the Abidjan 2017 World Taekwondo Grand Prix Final to be held from December 2-3, 2017 in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. This event welcomes the world’s top sixteen taekwondo athletes in each weight category and provides opportunities for athletes to win prize money as well as accumulate important ranking points that lead up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Earlier in October, Skylar finished 5th place at the Grand Prix London, losing to Jade Jones whom eventually claimed gold in the same category. Marc-André narrowly missed the second round in Men’s +80kg losing to Kazakhstan fighter Ruslan.

Skylar and Marc-André will be coached by Jae Park, the renowned national team coach from Manitoba.

Just a week ago, Marc-André returned from Paris Open with a bronze medal in Men’s +87kg category. He has high hopes for this GP Final.

“I was satisfied with the job done in Paris. It was definitely a good preparation for Abidjan considering the great caliber of opponents there,” said Marc-André. “All the medalists were GP athletes. I will inevitably fight against these guys in GP final and I am very motivated and ready to do so.”

This GP Final will be Marc-André’s last competition of 2017. What’s his secret to staying focused and getting motivated year-round?

“The motivation always comes with the focus I have on 2020 Olympic Games. It is a long road, filled with challenges and obstacles, but for me it is the best fuel to get to my objective. With every competition from Opens to GP or Worlds, my eyes stay focused on my ultimate dream. The Olympics. Plus, I just love to fight!”

Anyone Marc-André is looking forward to fighting against?

“I want to fight the guys that are regulars to GP podiums. Issoufou from Niger, Kuznetsov from Russia, and Cho from Great Britain, to name a few,” said Marc-André. “I had the chance to discuss with Master Park in previous competitions and I can say that we share the same philosophy when it comes to performance. I am looking forward to work with him and to share intense moments on the mats!”

“Let’s end the year in style.”

 


 

Competition Schedule

Saturday, December 2: W-49kg, M-80kg, W+67kg, M-58kg

Sunday, December 3: W-57kg, M+80kg, W-67kg, M-68kg

Competition starts at 9 am local time (4 am EST) and runs throughout the day. 

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