By Lance Jenkinson
Making his entrance into taekwondo at age four, Cameron Moyes has spent more than a decade on the mat – but he will look back on 2018 as his break-out year.
The 15-year-old from Hall’s Taekwondo jetted to three overseas destinations for major tournaments and reeled in a swag of medals.
“It was a very big year, my biggest year yet,” Moyes said. “Last year, I was at the top of the cadet division, which is an age group between 12 and 14, and I was 14.
“That gave me some confidence going across the world. I knew it was going to be the best opportunity before I lead into the juniors division [age 15 to 17].”
Moyes relished not just the thrill of success, but also the chance to travel and meet new people.
“I love the travel,” he said. “Going to different countries for tournaments and meeting a lot of people is a great experience. It’s great to get out and see new things and look at how other countries do it to improve my learning. It’s just an overall amazing experience.”
Moyes was a serious competitor in all the events that he entered.
Facing the world’s best, the Hoppers Crossing martial artist came fifth at the World Poomsae Championships in Taipei. A tricky draw did not help Moyes, but the experience of facing the world’s best was unforgettable.
“I fought the actual winner of the world championships in the first round, so that was pretty tough,” he said. “It was pretty unlucky to get him, but still it was a great experience.”
Moyes had great success at regional events.
His time in Tahiti at the Oceania Championships and the President’s Cup yielded a medal haul in individuals, pairs and teams events. The Westbourne Grammar School year 10 student reaped three gold in poomsae and a silver medal in sparring at the President’s Cup, then three gold medals in poomsae and a bronze medal in sparring.
Moyes also claimed a bronze medal at the European championships in Spain in poomsae.
It was a remarkable effort considering he was battling jet lag and had limited sleep.
Moyes, who got his start at City West Taekwondo, is ready to make his transition into the juniors division this year.
He is targeting strong performances at the President’s Cup and Australian Open – both events will take place on the Gold Coast.
“Hopefully, I can learn as much as I can so when I’m 16, 17, at the top of the age group, it can be a big year for me again,” Moyes said.
He trains four days a week with coaches Jihun An and Jerry Moraitis at Hall’s Taekwondo and puts in extra sessions at home.
Moyes is the February nominee for the Don Deeble Rising Star award.
The award, hosted by the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club and
Star Weekly, recognises young athletes from the western suburbs who have achieved outstanding results at state and or national levels.
Moyes will receive $1000 and other prizes, donated by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, to assist him in achieving his sports goals.
