Tendero takes home SNU-DTM 2022 championship

BY: ATHENA B. TARCELO

University of Batangas’ Brahman Hyena Lein Chesney

Tendero can now add a second gold medal to her growing list of honors and achievements at just 15 years of age, after securing the top spot in the SNU-DTM 2022, Taekwondo Virtual International Championship, Speed Kick, held via Zoom.

Tendero claimed gold after scoring a total of 115 points. Hyena’s experience and flexibility granted her a clean and clear-cut victory. She primarily triumphed, thanks to two significant kicks, one roundhouse and a 45 degree kick.

Given that she missed more than a year of training due to the pandemic, winning did not come easy for the Brahman. Additionally, she had only a month to train for the competition.

“My training consisted of jogging, biking, and general Taekwondo training,” she said, describing her preparation.

She began her dominating performance right away with some strong kicks and punches. She drew a roundhouse, scoring 3 points plus 3 more with a 45 degree kick.

She suffered the drawback of being unable to move her body to the best of her ability caused by her period at the time. Despite the heavy and agonizing feeling, she persisted in raising the university’s flag and pushing herself as she managed to outperform every single one of her competition. But even after winning, she was unsatisfied by her performance knowing she could have been able to execute even more powerful moves if not for the situation.

But winning in spite of setbacks was nothing new for Tendero, the 7th Daedo Championship 2019 where she claimed gold, 26-0 is a testament of her unyielding attitude.

“I remember, after delivering successful motions for around 50 seconds, I started to lose my form and eventually messed up but I kept on going, cause I had to.” she recollected.

With memories of that still vivid in her mind, the UBian was persistent to reclaim the championship she last won in 2019.

She finished her performance with a full moon to make up for the mistake, earning her 3 points and finally securing her victory.

While Safira Dewi Nurjanah of Singapore won the silver with a score of 99. Malaysia’s Amy Charlotte Alexander and Daniella Jonn Domica both took home bronzes, with Alexander scoring 82, and Domica scoring 67.