Yvette Yong

Biography

Yvette Yong made her international competitive debut at the 2004 World Youth Championships. Her first international medal, a bronze, came at the 2005 Pan American Youth Championships. Moving into the senior ranks in 2006 at age 16, she captured gold in the 47kg division at the Pan Am Championships. She added another Pan Am gold in 2012 in the 46kg division. Following her 46kg bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships, Yong’s breakout season was in 2010 when she stood on the podium in all four tournaments she entered.

She followed that terrific season with gold in five of her seven events in 2011 and 2012, including winning the 2011 Military World Games and 2012 Military World Championships. After winning silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Championships, Yong found the podium in every tournament she entered, up to the 2015 World Championships, a run that included seven medals (1 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze).

Yong reached the finals at four straight Pan American Championships from 2012 to 2018, bringing home two gold (2018, 2012) and two silver (2016, 2014) medals. In 2018, she won gold at the Military World Championships and added a silver at the 2019 Military World Games. She made her Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020.

A Little More About Yvette

Getting into the Sport: Started taekwondo at age 9… Her father was a Kung Fu instructor… As an active kid she wanted to join a Kung Fu school but came across a taekwondo club near her house, so started lessons as a birthday present… Outside Interests: Enjoys cooking and baking, as well as reading and writing which helps her concentrate and keep her mind focused…  Odds and Ends: Inspired by her parents who have shown that hard work and determination in everything will lead to success… Collects mini cups or mugs from her travels… Nicknames: Ninja, Little Tiger, Shorty… Listens to music and prays before competing…