Tae Kwon Do awards for Patricks Cove native

Tae Kwon Do awards for Patrick's Cove native

Published on July 7, 2008

Published on July 5, 2010

Crystal Cline

Patrick's Cove native Sheila McGrath is proof that hard work and dedication has its rewards. For the past ten years McGrath has been involved in the world of Tae Kwon Do and she has recently been awarded for her achievements.
On June 21, Ms. McGrath was awarded the female athlete of the year for Tae Kwon Do in Newfoundland and Labrador, to her surprise. This was awarded to Ms. McGrath at a provincial tournament held in St. John's in which she was judging and refereeing, and not competing because of an injury.
"I wasn't expecting that (winning the award). It was based on 2007. So it was female athlete of the year for 2007-2008," commented the 26-year old.
That isn't the only achievement Ms. McGrath has had with Tae Kwon Do this year. She earned her third degree black belt, received a bronze medal at Canadian Nationals in Montreal and was invited to try out for team Canada in Ottawa. She did not make Team Canada, however, she did receive the rank of third place female heavyweight overall in Canada.
The provincial gold medalist and now resident of Shearstown was very pleased with her progress with Tae Kwon Do this past year and is planning to stay at the top of her game during the summer.
"This is the first time that we took a break for the summer. The first time in 25 years, but I am going to do some aerobics and yoga, things like that to keep in shape," said Ms. McGrath.
Ms. McGrath, who is also an instructor at her club in Bay Roberts, is looking forward to competing again next year locally and nationally. She is not afraid of competition proven by the fact she previously competed against an Olympic medalist.
"The nationals last year I fought Dominique Bosshart, she's an Olympic medalist. Now I never beat her but she was one of the competitors. She won bronze at the Olympics in 2000," said the heavyweight competitor.
To add to Ms. McGrath's accomplishments, she has previously received athlete of the year for Bay Roberts and Club Athlete of the Year in 2006.