The 2025 Poomsae European Championships have come to an end, and Switzerland looks back on a successful and positive experience. “I’ll always have good memories of Tallinn,” said one athlete from the national team. The Swiss national team impressed in this highly competitive tournament with dedication, team spirit, and discipline
Daniel Morath, a long-standing member of the national squad, achieved two 5th place finishes – in the Senior 1 individual category and in pair competition. For the 21-year-old, this marks a personal milestone. “Tallinn was one of the biggest successes of my career so far,” said Morath. While he was disappointed to just miss out on a medal, he greatly appreciated the camaraderie within the team and with other nations. “Every experience, training, and tournament is unique. It’s a great privilege to compete under the Swiss flag,” he added.
Mathieu Tanael also placed 5th in the Junior individual category. With a strong performance, the young athlete has now positioned himself among the extended elite in his age group across Europe.
Maria Chavanne, who has been practicing Taekwondo for over ten years despite being only 18, secured 9th place out of 29 competitors in the Senior 1 individual category. After a convincing first-round victory over Poland, she was defeated in the second round by reigning European Champion Eva Sandersen (Denmark). Despite the tough draw, Chavanne remains positive: “The experience in Tallinn was fantastic. I learned a lot and take with me new motivation for the next phase of my development.”
The results of the Swiss athletes highlight not only their technical level, but also the strength of youth development in the Poomsae field. Particularly noteworthy is the team’s unity, driven by mutual support, professional coaching by Maria Gilgen, and a positive, learning-focused team spirit.
