Ten-Year-Old Delilah Stamp Shines at National Taekwondo Tournaments

Delilah Stamp, a ten-year-old from Oakwood Hills, has made a significant mark in the world of taekwondo by reaching national competition levels. Starting her journey before the age of four, Delilah has already earned her black belt and amassed an impressive collection of medals in various tournaments.

Her father, Jeremy Stamp, a former military service member, began practicing taekwondo at Delilah’s age. He not only coaches her but also credits the sport with helping him maintain his mobility following a spinal injury. “The constant exercise and stretching helps keep my ability to walk,” he remarked.

Delilah, currently a fifth grader at Prairie Grove Junior High School, began competing seriously in national tournaments this year. Their summer was filled with adventure as they undertook a 10,000-mile road trip to participate in competitions across California and Utah. This journey has allowed Delilah to form friendships with fellow competitors nationwide. “We had an absolute adventure,” Jeremy said, reflecting on their travels.

One of the highlights of their trip was the Amateur Athletic Union Nationals in Salt Lake City, where Delilah excelled, winning both gold and silver medals in her division, which includes participants aged 9 to 12 from across the country. Delilah showcases her skills in various elements, including board breaking, fighting, and her favorite, poomsae—a choreographed sequence of taekwondo movements involving both attack and defense techniques.

Board breaking can be exhilarating yet dangerous. Jeremy shared a personal experience of breaking his fist while attempting the feat. Fortunately, Delilah has remained injury-free so far. “I broke 10 boards at once,” she stated. “This is kind of scary, but I like it.”

Since her success at the AAU Nationals, Delilah has competed in an additional 15 taekwondo tournaments, winning numerous awards, including being named grand champion in her division. She has trained under master Kenneth Soriano for six years and recently transitioned to a Glenview-based school known for competing at both national and international levels. Here, she is also learning advanced techniques such as backflips and acrobatics.

Delilah is set to compete next week at the AI Fitofan Cup in Dallas, where she will face off against approximately 3,000 competitors from around the globe across multiple martial disciplines. This competition will be particularly unique for her, as it incorporates artificial intelligence as a judging system. “We have no idea what to expect,” said Jeremy, expressing both excitement and curiosity about this new experience.

Looking ahead, Delilah and Jeremy are focused on advancing her skills to qualify for more competitions, with aspirations of competing internationally in the future. Although the Olympics remain a distant dream—especially since poomsae is not currently an Olympic event—Jeremy remains optimistic about the journey. Taekwondo became an official Olympic sport in 2000.

Despite the pressures of competition, Delilah maintains her composure by focusing on her routine. She emphasizes the importance of stretching and warming up to keep her blood flowing. “I just do it,” she said, demonstrating her determination and passion for the sport.

As Delilah continues to rise through the ranks of taekwondo, her journey inspires not only her peers but also those in her community.