Skylar Park’s taekwondo journey started as early as she could walk, she began training in her family’s taekwondo school where her siblings, elders and parents also practiced the sport. Park, born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, emerged onto the global stage with a standout performance at the 2016 World Taekwondo Junior Championships in Burnaby, BC, where she claimed gold in the 59kg category. She transitioned swiftly to senior competitions in 2017 and established herself as a formidable force in the sport. In 2019, Park’s career soared, winning a bronze at the World Taekwondo Championships and a silver at the Pan American Games, both accomplishments marking her dominance on the international podium.
Park’s first brush with the Olympics came at the Tokyo 2020 Games where she advanced to the quarterfinals, solidifying her reputation as a rising star in the sport. In 2022, Park continued her dominance with a third consecutive gold at the Pan American Championships and multiple bronze medals at the World Taekwondo Grand Prix series. Her achievements culminated in a remarkable 2023 season, highlighted by her first Grand Prix gold medal and another gold at the Santiago 2023 Pan Am Games, which ultimately secured her a top-three world ranking in the Olympic 57kg category by year’s end, earning her a place on Team Canada for the Paris Olympic Games.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Park remains deeply rooted in taekwondo, shaped by her family’s profound legacy within the sport and pursuing studies in kinesiology at the University of Manitoba.
Ahead, we caught up with Park before her journey to Paris to talk about familial legacy, athletic influences and the mental preparation for competing at such a high level.
S: When did you fall in love with Taekwondo and decide it was a path you wanted to pursue as a professional athlete?
SP: “I started taekwondo as soon as I could walk at my family’s taekwondo school, and naturally fell in love with the sport from the very start! My whole family did Taekwondo, so I spent every day practicing with my parents, brothers, cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents. Learning and practicing my sport with all my favourite people every day is why I first fell in love with taekwondo, I remember telling my parents that I wanted to win a gold medal at the Olympics for Canada from a very young age, so I think the dream to pursue a professional path in the sport was planted very early on.”
How does it feel representing Canada at this year’s 2024 Olympics in Paris?
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to represent Canada at my second Olympic Games in Paris this summer! It is always an honour to represent Canada at any stage but to have the privilege of wearing the maple leaf on the biggest sporting stage in the world, the Olympic Games is truly the greatest honour. Standing on the Olympic mats knowing that I have the whole country’s support behind me gives me that extra level of confidence and strength while I compete.”
Who are some influential people in your life who have inspired you to be the athlete that you are?
“My parents have been the most inspiring and influential people in my life who have shaped me into the person and athlete I am today. From a very young age, they always taught me to believe in myself and to dream bigger – bigger than I did yesterday, bigger than I could ever imagine! Through their example, I have learned the importance of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. I am so grateful to have their support and guidance on this Olympic journey, through the ups and the downs they continue to believe in me even when sometimes I struggle to believe in myself”
What kind of mental preparation takes place before a big match?
“One of the biggest lessons I took away from competing at the Tokyo Olympics was the importance of my mental preparation, so over the past 3 years following those Games, my team and I have focused on the mental component of my game. There is a lot of visualization and journaling that I do to prepare for a match in the days leading up which helps prepare both my mind and body. On the day of the match, I remind myself of how much love I have for the sport and how much I enjoy competing. It is so easy to get caught up in pressure and expectations while competing at the highest levels, so I have found that bringing myself back to my love for the sport allows me to fight freely and at my best!”
What advice do you have for athletes who are looking to take their careers to a professional level?
“My biggest piece of advice for athletes looking to take their careers to a professional level is to believe in yourself! Surround yourself with people who believe in you and will support you on the journey and be ready to work hard. The journey isn’t always going to be easy but with self-belief, a strong support system and hard work you can make it happen.”
