Yoo's Athlete Makes USA Junior National Team For World Championship

HYBLA VALLEY, VA — A Mount Vernon High School student who trains at Hybla Valley's Yoo's Authentic Martial Arts gets to represent the U.S. in a world championship.

Mount Vernon's Sophy Cutter secured a spot on 2024 USA Junior Taekwondo National Team, which features the nation's top taekwondo talent. She will compete in the 2024 Junior World Championships in Chuncheon, South Korea this October.

Cutter secured a spot during the 2024 USA Taekwondo Team Trials in Charlotte, North Carolina. She won gold after remaining undefeated in five matches.

"I am honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Team USA on the Junior National Team," said Cutter in a statement. "This is a dream come true, and I am grateful for the support of my coaches, teammates, and the entire community."

Cutter has been a star in previous competitions, including the 2022 USA Taekwondo Grand Prix Final, 2023 USA Taekwondo Team Trials, 2023 US Open Championships and 2023 Pan-American Taekwondo Championships.

Cutter's success is also a source of pride for Yoo's Authentic Martial Arts, a family-run martial arts school. Founded in 1976 by immigrants from South Korea, it is now run by their son, Master Jonathan Yoo. Cutter has been training at Yoo's Authentic Martial Arts since she was 6.

"Being part of the Yoo's Martial Arts family has been instrumental in my journey, and I am grateful for the support of my coaches, fellow teammates, and the entire Alexandria community," said Cutter.

Cutter will now turn her focus to preparing for the 2024 Junior World Championships in South Korea. Yoo's Authentic Martial Arts hopes Cutter's success can be an example for aspiring athletes around the region.

"Having coached Sophy for eight years, I've witnessed her unwavering dedication and commitment to taekwondo," said Yoo. "Making the national team is a testament to her hard work and talent. We are excited to see her represent Team USA once again and compete on the world stage and believe she will make Alexandria proud."