Lopez charts Tokyo road with gold

PAULINE Louise Lopez started her long journey to the next Olympics with a perfect ending in the 2016 Asian Taekwondo Championships.

“I’ve put in the hard work and trusted His (God’s) plan,” said Lopez, the first Filipino continental champion since Roberto “Kitoy” Cruz pulled off the feat 17 years ago.

The 19-year-old jin based in Los Angeles, California, redeemed herself Wednesday night after getting denied of a spot in the recent Olympic qualifier for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

She frustrated reigning Asian Games champion Ah-Reum Lee of Korea, 8-6, to clinch the gold medal in the women’s -57kg division at Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom.

“This is what He gave me, [a] new road to Tokyo (for the 2020 Olympics),” said Lopez.

The 2014 Asian Youth Games and 2015 Southeast Asian Games champ jolted Lee, the sentimental favorite going into the finals, with an ax kick late in the second round that reversed the wheel of fortune for the Filipino-American after trailing early in the match.

“Before fighting, he (coach Igor Mella) kept telling me, ‘nameless, faceless,’” said Lopez, who came into the quarterfinals nursing a hurting knee. “I didn’t even care about my bracket. Whoever I faced, I just gave it my all.”

She got added inspiration from her father, Efren Lopez Jr., a former national team member, who followed her exploits on television back in Los Angeles.

“My dad spoke to me and gave me the words that I needed to hear. He’s my role model, my trainer,” said Lopez, only the second Filipino jin who defeated a Korean in the continental championship after Ali Atienza did the trick in 1994.

She ended up with a bronze medal in the Olympic qualifying tournament last Sunday and missed the Olympic cut.

In the semifinals, Lopez subdued a taller Mahsa Jeddi of Iran, 7-5.

The Korean tried to reverse the outcome in the final round but failed to connect with clear kicks.

“I kept myself composed in the last round,” said Lopez. “I fought like I was the one behind.”