Last year
we left her on her knees, head down on the mat, giving her thanks for her third world title in a row. This time, the first thing she did was raising her front kick toward the sky, where she now rightfully belongs, before showing off an incredible 270° backward standing split. The rumors have Suji Kang leaving Korea and top class competitions after displaying this superb four of a kind poker hand. Should we lose her, next world champs will definitely miss her brightest star, but there's no doubt little Suji already proved herself as the best poomsae player ever since the world championships were established.
Her final round in Bali remains as a testament of her superior technique, speed and flexibility. No one was ever seen to kick as fast and high as she does. Your eyes simply cannot keep up as she abruptly accelerates upward, like her feet and the hall ceiling had suddenly fallen in love. You are only left with a memory snapshot of a tiny graceful statue, assuming an impossible heroic pose for the blink of an eye.
For the past four years, Suji Kang has been a shining symbol of the beauty and expressiveness of TKD Poomsae, inspiring players from all over the world and impressing anybody who was lucky enough to see her in action. Her sublime performances, pure smile and unexpected pride are the best sponsors this sport could ever dream of.
(photos 1-4: 8thworldtaekwondopoomsaechampionship2013.com; photos 2-3-5: unverified source)
