Taekwondo is a traditional Korean martial art, which means "the way of kicking and punching". The origin of the art of Taekkyon (“foot-hand”) dates back to Korea's Three-Kingdom era (c.50 BC).

The evolution of taekwondo has made today’s version of the sport a lower limb kicking ballet. Although practitioners are allowed to use their fists to beat the competitor, attacks are mainly by kicking, taekwondo’s trademark.

It was only in the 20th. C, however, that this format became the most popular martial art in Korea. Since then, it has taken the world by storm, gaining prominence in the Olympic Movement at Seoul 1988. As the showcase sport, it conquered spectators and became a strong candidate for inclusion in the Olympic Games official programme.

Absolute mastery on the podiums

The first Taekwondo competitions for medals took place at Sydney 2000. Since then, the format has been the same: four weight classes for men and four weight classes for women. Men compete in two classes: up to 58kg; up 68kg; up to 80kg; and above 80kg. Women’s classes are: up to 49kg; up to 57kg; up to 67kg; and above 67kg.

So far South Korean men and women have won nine out of 24 gold medals, having participated in Beijing 2008 in two categories each. It was the winner of all.

Its absolute and rare power in the Olympic programme leaves little room for competitors, the strongest of whom are also in Asia. With four gold medals, the second most awarded nation is China. The USA, Mexico, Iran and Taipei have had two victories each, whereas Australia, Cuba and Greece each have climbed to the podium once.