Collyer's student is youngest ever British Taekwondo Champion 

This week Guntur Dwiarmein, 18, sensationally won the UK Taekwondo Championships held at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. After 4 rounds, he beat the reigning champion in the final. This has sent shock waves through the sport, as Guntur has become the youngest ever UK Champion.

Guntur was ecstatic: “It was my first event as a senior, so I must admit I was nervous. However, I thought I had a good chance of doing well, as I was the Junior British Champion and my form was good going into the competition. Preparation has been tough, but Collyer’s have been really supportive and understanding with regard to my training regime, so I was able to be fully focussed and physically sharp”.

After becoming UK Champion, Guntur then doubled-up to win his second gold medal, by winning the doubles event, with training partner Sydney Craven. Both train at the excellent Livingwell Taekwondo Academy, based in Gatwick. 

Guntur added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the brilliant people at the Livingwell Taekwondo Academy. I’m also staggered by the level of support that Collyer’s has given me. It’s a brilliant college and I have loved studying there. The Collyer’s Association and the Old Collyerians Association have even helped me to fund training equipment and transport costs for the competitions that I attend around the world. The teachers and support staff have also been hugely positive, which has helped to motivate me. I didn’t want to let people down!”

Anthony Barnard, Honorary Secretary of the Old Collyerians Association, was thrilled with Guntur’s success: “Wow! This is brilliant news and so I’m so proud that we have helped Guntur in some way”.

Dr Jackie Johnston, Principal at Collyer’s, is proud of Guntur’s success: “Guntur is a lovely, down to earth lad, who is not only hugely respected as a gifted athlete, but also very well liked by fellow students and his teachers. He is an inspiration and we are all incredibly proud at Collyer’s that he is British Champion.”

Guntur, who previously attended Oakwood School in Horley, has now set his sights on European glory. The path begins at the Belgium Open in April, which is a qualifying event for the European and World Championships. He plans to study Economics and French at University when he leaves Collyer’s.