Paige McPherson: USA Taekwondo
How did you get involved in your sport? What has your sport meant to you and taught you?
I started taekwondo at the young age of seven. My older brother, Evan, started before me and I always was the little sister who wanted to be like him.
Over the years taekwondo became my own. My teammates became extended family and my instructor taught me life lessons such as persevering during tough times, having self-control, being courteous and respectful to my elders, etc.
TaeKwonDo is a major factor in me becoming who I am today. The trials and tribulations that I have had to endure in my career of competition have allowed me to train to not only become the best athlete, but a better individual overall.
What fuels or inspires you in your training and as you get ready for competitions?
My main goal is to achieve the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic games. However, that motivation isn’t always present in training or the months leading up to it. I have learned to be disciplined as it is the main reason for me being successful throughout the years. I have also found that one must enjoy the journey rather than the destination. Finally, I am not a quitter and I always seek to give it my all regardless of the outcome. My dad always used to tell me when I was younger that if you commit to something, see it through.
What is one moment that has defined you as an athlete or person?
At the Grand Prix Final in 2019 I achieved the bronze medal which solidified my spot and qualification to Tokyo. The months leading up to that competition there was a lot of talk that I was not good enough to qualify and therefore should not be chosen for the upcoming year (2020) for the chance to qualify at the regionals. Instead of listening to them and giving up, I trusted God and my team and gave it my all regardless of the amount of pressure and tribulations I faced. I did not speak out and I did not defend myself. Instead I worked harder, prayed harder, and was able to go out and perform at possibly my last competition. Therefore, my ability to let go at the Grand Prix final and trust in God regardless of the outcome defined me.
Based on your experiences as an athlete, what advice would you give to a younger version of yourself?
Do what you love even if others may not have the same opinion as you. At the end of the day you will have no regrets and will be happier with the outcome because it is something you love.
What was your experience like adjusting to all of the changes from COVID-19 last year? How were you able to maintain focus?
I took each day as it came. I tried not to look ahead and ask what ifs. Instead I would try to stay present and positive. In the end I knew that whether the Olympics would happen or not I would have to do everything now in order to be prepared. Therefore, as long as I knew that I did everything and was ready to my best ability, I wouldn’t regret anything regardless of what would happen.
