#106: Iron Taekwondo Senior Team Competes at Prestigious Polish Open G1

The Iron Taekwondo senior team, made up of Czarek Odlanicki (-87 kg) and Fergeson Galea (-63 kg), recently took part in the renowned Polish Open G1, one of Europe’s most competitive Taekwondo events. Led by coach Gianluca Barbara, the team faced a tough challenge as they went head-to-head with some of the sport’s elite.

Despite their strong efforts, both athletes bowed out in their opening matches. Czarek faced a skilled opponent from the Saudi Arabian national team, while Fergeson battled against an experienced athlete representing Chile’s national squad. Though the results didn’t go their way, both fighters displayed determination and resilience, leaving valuable lessons to build on for the future.

The Polish Open G1, featuring world-class competitors including Olympians such as Jack Woolley, Gashim Magomedov, and Viviana Marton, provided a rare opportunity for ITL athletes to measure themselves against the very best. For Czarek and Fergeson, the event was less about results and more about gaining experience at the highest level of competition.

Coach Gianluca emphasized the importance of such events in helping the team grow, stating that competing against world-level opposition is key to raising standards and building confidence. The tournament also offered the chance for the senior team to continue gelling together as they prepare for future challenges.

Looking ahead, Fergeson will continue his international journey as he prepares to represent Malta at the upcoming Taekwondo World Championships in Wuxi later this year. His appearance at one of the sport’s biggest stages will be another milestone for Iron Taekwondo and for Maltese Taekwondo as a whole.

While the Polish Open G1 was a testing ground, it reinforced the team’s commitment to progress and their readiness to keep pushing forward.