Kirstie Alora drops farewell match in Asian Games taekwondo

HANGZHOU, China – Kirstie Elaine Alora’s farewell match did not work in her favor after she bowed out of women’s taekwondo at the 19th Asian Games.

The two-time Asian Games bronze medalist dropped her opening match against Iran’s Anahita Tavakoli 0-2 in the women’s 16 +67kg round at the Lin’an Sports and Culture Exhibition Center on Thursday.

“I feel sad because this is my last Asian Games. After this I will retire,” said 33-year-old Alora, whose long career took her to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Alora’s journey was also highlighted by nine medals at the Southeast Asian Games, four of which were gold.

“I thank all the supporters of our team throughout my career. I intend to become an inspiration to my other teammates and to all future national team members,” Alora said.

Samuel Morrison also retired from his long spell with the national team after failing to progress to the quarter-finals.

Iran’s Arian Salimi was too fast and too agile for Morrison, winning 2-0 in the men’s +80kg round of 16.

“This was my last match for the national team. I plan to teach young children in my own gym,” said Morrison, also a two-time bronze performer at the Asian Games with four gold medals at the SEA Games.

The Philippine taekwondo team heads to Manila with a bronze medal in the men’s individual poomsae, courtesy of Patrick King Perez.