Local Martial Artists' Hero Earns Bronze in London

Young martial artists from around the area gathered in front of a television Thursday morning and in the 2012 Olympic featherweight Taekwondo competition.

Jennings, originally from Alexandria, VA, from Vuong’s Taekwondo Center in Crofton at a national championship tournament last month. After spending time with the kids, many of the young athletes gathered at the center Thursday morning and eagerly watched as Jennings competed in the Olympics.

Jennings lost his Olympic debut but fought his way back to earn a bronze medal in his featherweight weight class, according to NBC.

Meeting Jennings encouraged and motivated youth martial artists like Crofton’s Cole Hazard, according to his mother Erin Hazard.

NBC reported that Jennings’ initial passion for martial arts came from his love of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Did you see Jennings take home the bronze?