Three Hawke’s Bay athletes have returned home as champions, bringing back 12 medals - including 10 gold - and proudly flying the New Zealand flag on the international stage.

The trio competed at the 3rd Inclusive Taekwon-Do World Championships in Jesolo, Italy, held alongside the 23rd ITF Taekwon-Do World Championships, the largest event in the sport’s history, with 2500 participants.

Representing NZ ITF Taekwon-Do and the International Inclusive Taekwon-Do Association (IITA), Hastings’ Coby O’Neil, Napier’s Jacob Cunningham and Waipukurau’s William Thomas took on competitors from more than 75 countries at the event.

The trio earned gold in multiple individual and team events, including the historic Team Pattern, marking a first for NZ’s inclusive martial arts community. Their combined medal haul included 10 gold, one silver and one bronze.

O’Neil, 16, who has global developmental delay, won four medals, including three gold and a silver. He received the trophy for Overall Best Competitor.

Cunningham, 21, who has autism and dyspraxia, secured three gold medals and a bronze, earning the Trophy for Best Pattern Performance after leading his team to victory against Ireland.

Thomas, 15, who has cerebral palsy and fetal alcohol syndrome, won gold in Patterns, Team Patterns and was a vital part of the Unified Abilities Gold Medal.

Their coach, Ayla Everton, received the Trophy for Best Coach in recognition of her dedication and expertise in Inclusive Sparring techniques.

The IITA, headquartered in Hastings, is the international hub for inclusive tae kwon do, making Hawke’s Bay a global leader in the movement toward accessible martial arts.

New Zealand team leader and IITA president Ben Evans said the results represented “more than medals.”

“They’ve shown the world that tae kwon do is for everyone, regardless of ability or background. Their discipline, respect and perseverance represent the very best of Hawke’s Bay and of NZ,” Evans said.

“Our team made history, and their success will inspire many others to believe that anything is possible through tae kwon do.”