Like a fine wine, Sammy Rachele believes he’s getting better with age.
Shepparton’s Koryo Taekwondo Centre owner cleaned up at the weekend as he rubbed shoulders against some of the world’s finest taekwondo athletes at the Oceania Open Championships, the World Taekwondo President's Cup and the Australian Open.
Rachele joined more than 1500 competitors from 45 countries at the Queensland event — which acted as a G2 event where Olympic-bound athletes claimed world-ranking points — and it’s safe to say, it was one of his finest competitive appearances.
The 52-year-old claimed gold medals in all three major events ― Oceania Open Championships, President's Cup and Australian Open ― in his Poomsae (patterns) age category.
“I’m relieved to be honest,” Rachele said.
“I’ve trained my butt off and I’ve been going hell for leather for a year and a half now. I’ve adopted ice baths and Wim Hof breathing method ... my body feels amazing.
“I think the older I’m getting the better I’m getting.”
When he isn’t claiming gold medals for himself, Rachele is helping his students achieve their goals at his Koryo Taekwondo Centre.
One of his standout pupils is Damon Vasterink, who attended the Virtus Global Games in France last month.
“At the moment the school’s getting back to pre-COVID levels and I’ve got a great bunch of kids,” Rachelle said.
“I’m really enjoying my taekwondo at the moment.”
His recent triumphs are in his overall plans to get selected at next year’s World Championships.
Rachele, who has claimed national and Victorian titles, has his sights fixed firmly on being world champion.
“It’s all part of my plan to go and get selected at the World Championships in Hong Kong,” Rachele said.
“Only one person in each age division is selected to represent, so that’s my aim. I would love to see Damon get selected as well and have the two of us head over together. That would be a dream come true.”