Daniel Balli Captures Two Taekwondo Golds For Jamaica In Colombia

Daniel Balli delivered a major result for Jamaica over the weekend, taking home two gold medals at the Masters Cup in Colombia and strengthening his profile as one of the country's promising young taekwondo athletes.

The 15-year-old Jamaican representative topped the Junior Men's under-59kg class and also won the Senior Men's under-58kg category. His performance meant he succeeded in two age-group divisions at the same meet.

The Colombia outing continues a packed 2026 season for Balli. Earlier in the year, he competed for Jamaica at the World Taekwondo Junior Championships in Uzbekistan and secured bronze at the Canada Open G2, an established international taekwondo event. His medal count for the season has continued to rise.

Balli began the sport at an early age. Born in Jamaica and now living in Florida, he started taekwondo when he was three and a half years old. He achieved his First Dan Black Belt at 11 and is now a 2nd Degree Black Belt. He trains with Champion Martial Arts in Pembroke Pines and attends Pembroke Pines Charter High School.

After winning in Colombia, Balli credited the people who have backed his journey. "This achievement is the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, and the support of coaches, family, sponsors, and the Jamaican community," he said. "I am honoured to represent Jamaica every time I step onto the mat."

Balli is expected to turn his attention next to competitions in Korea and Peru. His wider ambition is to compete at the highest levels of world taekwondo, with his recent form keeping that target firmly in view.

World Taekwondo Jamaica President Master Kenroy Clarke, who also serves as Jamaica's Athlete Representative on the IOC Athletes' Commission, welcomed Balli's success. Clarke said the achievement points to the development of Jamaica's taekwondo programme and offers encouragement to young athletes at home and across the diaspora.