Taekwondo coach and grandmaster Andy Rutten believes that Fiji has the potential to become the leading taekwondo nation in the Oceania region. Since arriving in Fiji last year, Rutten has been focused on developing local talent in the sport.
The German-born coach brings extensive experience to the table, having previously coached athletes from Papua New Guinea for two Olympic Games. Through various training programs and camps, he has been impressed by the remarkable pool of talent he has found in Fiji.
Rutten stated, “In my opinion, it is an incredible sport and can be an Olympic medal sport for Fiji if the government had better supporting programs so that kids have better exposure to high performance. I think Fiji could be one of the leading countries in Oceania.” He also pointed out significant challenges that the sport faces, including limited support and a lack of structured high-level training, which he identifies as crucial barriers to development.
Despite these obstacles, Rutten remains optimistic. He believes that with proper support and the implementation of effective development pathways, Fiji could contend for medals at future Olympic Games. His dedication to nurturing talent and his conviction in Fiji’s capabilities could foster a new generation of athletes poised for success on the global stage.