Navajo taekwondo champion

Navajo taekwondo champ heads to Singapore

By Babette HerrmannWhen 16-year-old Jessie Bates began practicing taekwondo at the age of 5, it didn’t take her long to realize that she had found her passion in life; it’s one of those pivotal moments that few rarely reach at such a young age.

By the time she was 8, she felt confident, fast and interested in competition–the necessary ingredients in becoming a champion taekwondo fighter. Eight years later, Jessie’s hard work has earned her a spot on a team of six teens representing the United States at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, Aug. 14-26.Comment:  For a related subject, see Navajo Woman Boxer.

Below:  "Jessie Bates, daughter of Chee Bates, is the fighter in blue. She has earned a spot on a team of six teens representing the United States at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, Aug. 14-26."