Taekwondo: Local master Daniel Kobbina tips pupil Michaela Pinkavova for 2012 Olympics

Published: 23 June 2011
by STEVE BARNETT

A MARTIAL arts instructor of one of the top clubs in Camden is tipping his star pupil to reach the Olympics. 

Taekwondo master Daniel Kobbina, who runs the Hwarang Academy based in Swiss Cottage, is confident that the “winners mind” shown by second dan black belt Michaela Pinkavova will guide her to the 2012 games. 

He has every reason to have faith in Michaela after watching her clinch gold at the Czech National Open in Prague for the third successive time on Saturday. 

Victory in the senior women’s under-62kg ‘A’ Class category saw her keep her place in the national team, and was the perfect tonic as she prepares for the European qualifiers to be held in Russia in January.

If she wins a medal in the tournament the 26-year-old will be in with a good chance of being selected to take part in the Olympics, and Master Kobbina, 40, is confident that’s exactly what will happen. 

“If I can keep her level-headed and focused she has as good a chance as anyone,” he said. “Having won gold on Saturday for the third time on the spin her confidence is flying. 

“She has developed a real winners mind, which gives her the edge over her rivals. 

“I don’t have any doubt that she can make it to the Olympics.”