Icon at his young age: Eric Gun Inspires Future Generations in Taekwondo

At the recent World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Hong Kong, Eric Gun was crowned with two gold medals: one in individual freestyle over 17 and another in the recognized team under 30. This achievement not only marked a major milestone in his career, but also evidenced the dedication and effort of his family and team.

We had an exclusive conversation with the current double world champion Eric Gun, who after being gold and silver medalist in the last world championships in Goyang 2022, won the double gold medal in Hong Kong 2024.

Introduction and Recent Achievements

What did it mean to you to win two world titles in Hong Kong, one in individual freestyle over 17 and one in recognized men’s team under 30?

It truly meant a lot to me as I felt that all my families hard work and effort paid off on the world stage. I truly didn’t expect such an outcome as it was my first year in the Senior division, but I really embraced and enjoyed it as much as possible.

How would you describe the experience of becoming world champion in both divisions? What emotions did you experience during the competition?

Many athletes that practice poomsae usually specialize in one of either recognized or freestyle, but as an athlete that does both it truly broadens my horizons and opportunities to compete in more categories. As this was the first time I competed in both Freestyle and Recognized at a single World Championship I was very excited. I was excited by the fact I was able to experience both divisions as they are both very different and the opportunity to go against high level athletes from each country truly made it more special and worthwhile for my experience at this past World Championship in Hong Kong. And winning Gold in both divisions made it even more of a thrill because the results had exceeded the expectations not only of others but my own.

How would you compare your experience in Hong Kong with that of Goyang 2022, where you also reached the world podium? 

I am definitely grateful for the experiences I had at both World Championships, but leaving with 1 Gold and 1 Silver at Goyang left more to be earned for me at this past World Championships in Hong Kong. I wouldn’t say I’m completely satisfied with 2 golds but content with it as I believe I have many years left in my taekwondo career with more to come.

Preparation and Training

Training with your father at the ATMA Academy must be special. How has your family influenced your career development as an athlete?

Training at Team ATMA is very special for me because I have been a part of the program since its earliest days alongside my father as my coach and it has been amazing to see its growth over the years as I have gotten older. I really am grateful of having my father as my coach because he truly understands me and helps bring the best out of me no matter my condition at a tournament. My family is the backbone of my career and has been the biggest influence throughout my development in my taekwondo career.

What aspects of your preparation do you feel were key to your performance in Hong Kong?

I was very cautious of trying to be in the best condition possible, with a proper diet, good rest, and not overtraining. Many high level athletes, especially before a big event such as a World Championship, tend to overtrain themselves. But my goal was to focus on the quality of my training sessions rather than the quantity and amount of hours I had per training session.

Career and Future

From being junior champion in Goyang 2022 to your current achievements, what has changed in your mindset?

I wouldn’t say my mindset has changed after my achievements as an athlete as I believe what got me here is the current mindset I have always had which is to keep working hard and to truly enjoy what I’m doing.

In addition to the world championships, you have also been Pan American champion, what differences do you find between competing at regional and world level?

At the end of the day both the World Championship and Pan American Championships are extremely high level international tournaments, filled with hard working and talented athletes. But in the sport of taekwondo, Asian countries have always been dominant, but the rise of technique in skill from the Pan American Region has made becoming a Pan American Champion a difficult accomplishment.

What are your short- and long-term goals in Taekwondo?

My short term goals ahead for me are the Pan American Junior Games in Paraguay and the University Games held in Germany. My ultimate long term goal is hopefully to shoot for the LA Olympics in 2028.

Balance and Commitment

How do you manage to combine studies with intensive training and competitions?

At the end of the day I’d like to think of myself as a student athlete with ”student” coming first. Although taekwondo requires a busy schedule throughout the year with traveling to different countries across the world, I like to prioritize myself in school whether it would be in the plane watching lectures or finishing my school work at a hotel room. I try my best to get things done while also training hard for any competitions that I travel for.

With the growth of your fame after these achievements, how do you make sure you don’t lose focus on your main goals?

Although I appreciate everyone’s attention and support, I have never swayed myself to lose sight of my goals that I set for myself.

Now that you have achieved such important results, what is it that keeps you committed to the path of high performance?

Although I achieved such tremendous results and even reliving the moment is really enjoyable, the results are in the past and now my focus has shifted with the new competition season right around the corner. It’s time for me to prepare for the upcoming year.

Freestyle and Recognized

Which one do you enjoy more and why?

I honestly enjoy them both equally but I enjoy various aspects in each of them. Each discipline truly brings a different side of me every time I step foot in the ring. When I do recognized I tend to be very serious and have a game face whenever I step on the mat, and showing the referees the sharpness in my technique. But when I switch modes into freestyle you might catch me smiling after an acrobatic technique and see me truly  enjoying myself on the mat.

Family and Community

Your brother Ethan is a sparring athlete, and Emmet is beginning his Taekwondo life. How does this family dynamic influence your daily motivation?

As the oldest of the 3 Gun siblings, I try my best to lead by example for my brothers who are following behind me. Although Ethan is a sparring athlete we still find ways to support and motivate each other, whether it is cheering one on or even sacrificing the bed the night before ones competition, we have our ways to support each other although we compete in different categories. While Emmett is the youngest with many opportunities ahead of him, I think he still has his ways to go to reach the elite level, but I believe with both mine and Ethans support he can reach higher achievements than his older siblings.

What message would you give to young athletes who dream of achieving success in Poomsae?

I would tell them that anyone with a positive mindset and good attitude can achieve anything if they truly set their mind to it. If they consistently practice what they preach the results will come but those results won’t happen overnight. Results come from the accumulative hours of tears, sweat, pain, and sacrifice.

Reflection and Gratitude

Who would you like to thank for their support on your road to success?

First and Foremost I’m thankful for my parents unwavering support of not only my journey but our whole family’s journey. Thank you to Team ATMA for the support of my taekwondo career. Thank you to my Freestyle Coach Yun Kyusung for my upbringing as a freestyle athlete. And lastly thank you to all the individuals behind all the moving parts behind the scenes for me to reach such success on the world stage.

Finally, how do you visualize your legacy in Taekwondo and the impact you wish to have on future generations of athletes?

I enjoy sharing my knowledge and influencing other athletes in helping them achieve their own goals. While teaching athletes it has given myself the opportunity to learn as well and the different challenges that coaching and mentoring brings.

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MASTKD

MASTKD: Media About Sports Taekwondo. Worldwide Leader on Taekwondo Information. «SINCE 2003»

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