OLD BOYS

Usually in sport you compete as long as you can keep up with the best, no matter if they're up to 20 years younger. So, over 30/40/50 years divisions are a privilege of our discipline. They allow talented Poomsae performers to stay on top for almost a lifetime. Besides, staying in touch with the competition dramatic feelings makes them better teachers as well. On the other hand, as Poomsae are an aesthetical sport, the oldest veterans cannot but disappoint when it comes to agility and high beautiful kicks, even on a global scale selection. That's why I have mixed feelings about Master divisions.
Anyway, please stand up for Nadir Giunchi, Roberto Boghi and Giovanni Sotgiu, the amazing Italian Male Team 2 that tricked their age conquering a bronze medal at the European Poomsae Championship 2011.

(Photo courtesy of Aleksandar Golović)