Parsippany Siblings Win Gold in Worldwide Taekwondo Championships

Two of Parsippany’s youngest students have conquered more athletically this year than most achieve in a lifetime.

Daniel Shao, 8, and his sister Christie, 7, recently participated in the 2014 U.S. World Open Taekwondo Championships in Portland, Ore.

Both had tremendously strong showings, with Daniel, a third-grader at Littleton Elementary School, winning golds in sparring and pairs poomsae. He added a silver in individual poomsae as well.

Christie Shao, a first-grader at the same school, won gold in pairs poomsae and a bronze in individual poomsae.

The siblings have practiced about 15 hours a week for the past year to compete for the competition, which has paid off. The Portland event pitted representatives from 24 countries, with the Shaos representing the United States.

In July, the duo will compete in the U.S. National Championships in San Jose, California.