SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2024 17
By Annette Hillis, Resident
In our Solera Diamond Valley retirement community, 70-year-
old Pat Sivalingam continues to inspire athletes of all ages with
the discipline and determination that has earned him worldwide
acclaim. Aer all, he is a 7th degree Black Belt Senior Master in
Taekwando and has a multitude of years' experience.
e American Taekwando Association, a decades old institution,
recently held a week-long international championship event in
Phoenix, Arizona. Sivalingam was among the competitors in
the 70 to 99-year-old category. ere were approximately 2,800
contenders encompassing all age groups. He came into the event
with a ranking of being #1, so it is little surprise that, when all
was said and done, Sivalingam again won all eight events with
the coveted prize of being World Champion for the year 2024.
Artistically designed gold medals were handed out for first place,
and he proudly posed for pictures wearing them all.
Of the eight events, a few included sparring, creative forms,
and weapons. Happy to share his expertise, Sivalingam acted as
an international judge for some of the competitions, as well. e
athletes were evaluated on technique, rhythm, power, timing, and
memorization of material.
While many of us struggle with getting enough exercise,
Sivalingam has found that Taekwando has been a blessing in his
life and helps him keep fit.
"It's my hobby. I'll do it until I can't anymore."
STRIKING GOLD
