UTA Celebrates Incredible Success at the 2025 ITF World Championships in Barcelona
From 23rd to 27th July 2025, the world stage was set in Barcelona as the ITF World Championships brought together the finest martial artists from across the globe. Among them were our dedicated and talented competitors from UTA (Unified Taekwon-Do Association), proudly representing the United Kingdom as part of the UK ITF national team. And what a performance they delivered!
We are beyond proud to share the incredible achievements of our athletes who not only competed with courage, precision, and heart—but also returned with a stunning haul of 18 medals, including 9 Gold, 2 Silver, 7 Bronze, and 2 Overall Champion titles.
These results are not just numbers. They reflect the tireless hours of training, discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance each individual has committed to their Taekwon-Do journey.
🏆 UTA’s Outstanding Results – ITF World Championships 2025
🥇🥈🥉 Medal Tally:
2 Overall Champions
9 Gold Medals
2 Silver Medals
7 Bronze Medals
Our Champions and Medallists
Cooper Coverdale
🥇 World Champion
U14 Male 1st Degree Patterns
A rising star in the junior ranks, Cooper showcased exceptional technique and composure to secure a world title. A bright future lies ahead for this young talent!
Ryan Dimov
🥇 World Champion
U18 Male 2nd Degree Patterns
🥉 Bronze
U18 Male Lightweight Sparring
A dynamic double threat, Ryan demonstrated technical mastery in patterns and grit in sparring. A double-medallist performance at a world championship is no small feat.
Freya West
🥇 World Champion
U18 Female 1st Degree Patterns
🥇 World Champion
U18 Female Lightweight Sparring
🏆 Junior Female Overall Champion
Freya was a force to be reckoned with in Barcelona, claiming two world titles and the prestigious title of Overall Junior Female Champion. A phenomenal achievement that puts her among the best in the world.
Madison Judge
🥈 Silver
U18 Female 2nd Degree Patterns
🥉 Bronze
U18 Female Special Technique
Madison displayed both poise and explosive power, earning a well-deserved silver and bronze in highly competitive divisions.
Oliver Lacey
🥇 World Champion
U18 Male 3rd Degree Patterns
With sharp precision and focus, Oliver took gold, a well-earned world title!
Leighton Callahan
🥉 Bronze
Adult Male 3rd Degree Patterns
🥉 Bronze
Adult Male Lightweight Sparring
Leighton battled through tough rounds to stand on the podium twice, proving his skills in both technical and combat arenas.
Elliott Callahan
🥇 World Champion
Adult Male 4th Degree Patterns
🥇 World Champion
Adult Male Microweight Sparring
🏆 Adult Male Overall Champion
Elliott was simply unstoppable in Barcelona. With two world titles and the Adult Male Overall Champion award, he has set a new benchmark for excellence. A true ambassador of UTA and UK ITF Taekwon-Do.
Greg Rose
🥈 Silver
Senior Male 5th Degree Patterns
🥉 Bronze
Senior Male Heavyweight Sparring
Greg’s dedication were rewarded with a silver and bronze—an inspiring example of perseverance, and elite skill.
Tracey Whelpdale
🥉 Bronze
Senior Female 3rd Degree Patterns
Tracey represented the senior ranks with grace and strength, earning a place on the podium in a closely contested division.
Kelly Rose
🥇 World Champion
Senior Female 5th Degree Patterns
🥇 World Champion
Senior Female Heavyweight Sparring
🥉 Bronze
Adult Female Special Technique
Kelly taking home two golds and a bronze across three demanding categories. A testament to her all-round excellence in Taekwon-Do.
🙌 Shout Out to All Our Competitors
To those who narrowly missed out on medals this time: your effort, courage, and dedication are equally worth celebrating. Competing at the World Championships is already an elite-level accomplishment—and the experience gained in Barcelona will be invaluable for future events.
You stood side-by-side with the best in the world, represented the UK with honour, and upheld the values of Taekwon-Do both on and off the mat. We couldn’t be more proud.
💬 From the UTA Leadership
“These results reflect the power of unity, the strength of preparation, and the will to succeed. We are immensely proud of every competitor, coach, and supporter. Let this be a stepping stone to even greater things ahead.”
– UTA Executive
👏 Final Thoughts
This World Championship has been once again a great experience for all involved. Our athletes return home not only with medals, but with memories, lessons, and lifelong friendships. Their performances on the world stage will inspire the next generation of martial artists across the UK and beyond.
A big thank you to all those who organised the event and our UK ITF administration who put together all the travel and hotel arrangements. Without the umpires these championships wouldn’t go ahead, so thanks to all Umpires from across the world. Finally, a big thank you to all parents and supporters who made the journey to encourage, support and cheer all the competitors equally
To our champions—congratulations.
To our team—thank you.
To the future—bring it on.
