SUPPORT PAYTON MASSEY'S TAEKWONDO JOURNEY

Four medals. Five divisions. One determined young Tasmanian athlete.

At just 11 years old, Payton Massey is proving that dedication, hard work and a willingness to challenge herself can deliver incredible results.

A passionate Taekwondo athlete from Tasmania, Payton has been training with Hoju Martial Arts for over three years. Under the guidance of Master Josh Warren, she continues to develop her skills, work towards achieving her Black Belt and pursue her ambitions as a competitive athlete.

Her 2026 competition season has been a significant step forward, highlighted by an outstanding performance at the Australian Taekwondo Championships, where she competed in five different divisions and brought home four medals.

Her results included:

🥇 Gold – Team Red Belt Cadet Division

🥈 Silver – Cadet Red Belt Sparring Division

🥉 Bronze – Pairs Red Belt Cadet Division, alongside her brother, Orlando

🥉 Bronze – Family Red Belt Poomsae Division, also alongside her brother, Orlando

Competing across five divisions demanded versatility, resilience and the ability to perform under pressure. To medal in four of them is an achievement Payton can be incredibly proud of, reflecting the work she has put into her training and her determination to keep improving.

Her success at Nationals builds on an already impressive 2026 season, which included three Gold medals, one Silver and one Bronze at the South Coast Open. Each competition provides valuable experience, challenges her to raise her standards and strengthens her ambition to see just how far she can go in Taekwondo.

THE WORK BEHIND THE MEDALS

For Payton, success doesn't begin when she steps onto the competition mat. It starts long before that.

Payton trains five days a week at Hoju Martial Arts and completes additional training sessions at home, continually working to improve her technique, fitness, discipline and competition readiness. Under Master Josh Warren's guidance, she is building the foundations needed to progress through the ranks and take on increasingly challenging competition opportunities.

But pursuing competitive Taekwondo from Tasmania comes with an additional challenge.

With interstate travel essential to access major competitions and development opportunities, the costs of competing extend well beyond entry fees. Flights, accommodation, transport, uniforms and mandatory protective equipment all add up, creating a significant financial commitment for a young athlete and her family.

These opportunities are important for Payton's development. They allow her to test herself against athletes from across Australia, gain valuable competition experience and continue working towards her future goals.

THE 2027 SEASON STARTS NOW

Although the 2026 competition season has finished, Payton's preparation for 2027 is already underway.

Her next major goal is the South Coast Open 2027 in Nowra, New South Wales, in April. With another season of training, development and competition ahead, Payton is determined to build on what she has achieved and continue pushing herself to improve.

The medals are milestones, not the finish line.

Every training session and competition is another opportunity for Payton to grow as an athlete, refine her skills and gain valuable experience against strong interstate competition. Each opportunity brings her one step closer to realising her potential.

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

Pursuing competitive Taekwondo from Tasmania comes with significant financial challenges. Interstate travel is essential for Payton to access major competitions and development opportunities, with flights, accommodation, transport, competition entry fees, uniforms and mandatory protective equipment all adding to the cost.

Your donation can help ease these financial pressures and give Payton greater access to the opportunities she needs to continue developing as an athlete.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. By supporting Payton's Taekwondo journey, you are helping a young Tasmanian athlete continue doing what she loves, building on her achievements and working towards her goals for 2027 and beyond.

Thank you for believing in Payton, supporting her sporting journey and helping her take the next step towards her goals.