Last month, a young Forney athlete made history on the international stage. Tenyear- old Graham Geisleman, a dedicated competitor from Forney Taekwondo, earned a gold medal at the prestigious 2025 U.S. Open Taekwondo Championships in Reno, Nevada. Competing in the Youth Under 35kg sparring division, he secured the top spot in a field of elite athletes from around the world, becoming the first-ever gold medalist from Forney in the event’s history.
The U.S. Open is one of the most competitive taekwondo tournaments in the world, drawing over 2,100 athletes and 500 coaches from 75 countries. The event serves as a proving ground for rising stars in the sport, and Graham’s victory is a testament to his years of hard work and dedication. Facing top-tier opponents, he displayed exceptional skill, determination, and composure to emerge as a champion.
His win also adds to the growing legacy of Forney Taekwondo, which has earned three medals at this event over the past three years. Previous competitors, Jackson Allen and Vincent Benham, each took home silver in recent years, but Graham’s gold marks a new milestone for the program. His achievement highlights the strength of the local taekwondo community and reinforces Forney’s reputation for developing elite-level martial artists.
“Forney Taekwondo has seen incredible success at this event, and it excites me to see the dedication and hard work of these kids paying off in their performances at such a high level. I’m so thankful to be a part of it,” said head instructor Aaron Crawford.
Graham’s journey in taekwondo began when he was just four years old, and he started competing at six. Over the years, he has committed himself to rigorous training, refining his technique, and developing the mindset of a true competitor. His passion for the sport, coupled with his perseverance, has propelled him to this incredible achievement.
More than just a personal victory, Graham’s success is an inspiration to young athletes across Forney. His determination and hard work prove that with dedication and support, local athletes can compete – and win – on the world stage. As he continues his journey, his gold medal will serve as motivation for future generations of Forney Taekwondo students to chase their own dreams of success.
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