Jamaican teen wins double gold at Masters Cup in Colombia | Sports

MIAMI, Florida:

National taekwondo athlete Daniel Balli delivered an outstanding performance last weekend at the Masters Cup in Colombia, capturing two gold medals while representing Jamaica on the international stage.

Competing against top athletes from across the region, the 15-year-old Team Jamaica member won gold in both the junior men’s -59kg division and the senior men’s -58kg division, demonstrating exceptional skill, discipline, and determination beyond his years.

Balli’s double-gold performance continues an impressive 2026 campaign that has already included representing Jamaica at the World Taekwondo Junior Championships in Uzbekistan, earning a bronze medal at the Canada Open G2, and multiple international podium finishes.

A student at Pembroke Pines Charter High School in Florida and a member of Champion Martial Arts, Balli began taekwondo at age  three-and-a-half and earned his First Dan Black Belt at age 11. He currently holds the rank of  Second  Degree Black Belt and is considered one of Jamaica’s promising young taekwondo talents.

“This achievement is the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, and the support of coaches, family, sponsors, and the Jamaican community,” said Balli. “I am honoured to represent Jamaica every time I step onto the mat.”

The victory comes as Balli continues his journey toward major international competitions, including upcoming events in Korea and Peru, while pursuing his long-term goal of competing on the world’s biggest stages.

Daniel’s success highlights the growing strength of Jamaica’s taekwondo programme and serves as an inspiration to young athletes throughout Jamaica and the diaspora.