Eighteen-year-old Amanda Bluford is just about to graduate from Robbinsdale-Armstrong High School, and the girl’s got big plans. Like many, she’ll head to college—Florida International University in Miami to study athletic training—but unlike many of her peers, those plans also include the summer Olympics in 2020 and 2024. We caught up with the Taekwondo black-belt and found out a bit more about her—from what she really loves about competition to her favorite comfort food.
You’ve traveled throughout the United States and internationally to compete; where has been your favorite spot?
AB: Costa Rica, because of the tropical climate.
What is your favorite thing about competing in Taekwondo?
AB: The feeling I get inside and all of the levels of preparation leading up to a fight. It is such an adrenaline rush to think, “I could be knocked out,” or “I could knock her out.”
Who influences you?
AB: Strong women in high-level sports, I love watching the U.S. women’s soccer team.
When you’re not practicing or fighting, how do you like to spend your time?
AB: Hanging out with my family (mom, dad and four brothers); I miss them a lot when I’m travelling.
You’re just about to graduate high school; are you ready for that?
AB: Yes. When I’m at Taekwondo competitions, I wish I could be there forever, instead of going back to high school. It’s such a great lifestyle, and I have lots of friends in it.
You’re heading to FIU in Miami so you can train with Olympic coach Juan Marino. That’s exciting—and warm!
AB: I’m not feeling bad about leaving the cold.
Taekwondo requires you to make a certain weight. You work out six days a week—do you follow a pretty strict diet, too?
AB: I try to be disciplined with it and stay consistent. It’s a lot less stress to do that then to always be cutting and worrying about making weight.
What’s your favorite food?
AB: My mom has me hooked on green smoothies right now, but I love macaroni and cheese, too.
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From the May 2014 issue
Plymouth Taekwondo Star Amanda Bluford
Amanda Bluford has spent the past 11 years in Taekwondo—and now looks to the Olympics.
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Eighteen-year-old Amanda Bluford is just about to graduate from Robbinsdale-Armstrong High School, and the girl’s got big plans. Like many, she’ll head to college—Florida International University in Miami to study athletic training—but unlike many of her peers, those plans also include the summer Olympics in 2020 and 2024. We caught up with the Taekwondo black-belt and found out a bit more about her—from what she really loves about competition to her favorite comfort food.
You’ve traveled throughout the United States and internationally to compete; where has been your favorite spot?
Costa Rica, because of the tropical climate.
What is your favorite thing about competing in Taekwondo?
The feeling I get inside and all of the levels of preparation leading up to a fight. It is such an adrenaline rush to think, “I could be knocked out,” or “I could knock her out.”
Who influences you?
Strong women in high-level sports, I love watching the U.S. women’s soccer team.
When you’re not practicing or fighting, how do you like to spend your time?
Hanging out with my family (mom, dad and four brothers); I miss them a lot when I’m travelling.
You’re just about to graduate high school; are you ready for that?
Yes. When I’m at Taekwondo competitions, I wish I could be there forever, instead of going back to high school. It’s such a great lifestyle, and I have lots of friends in it.
You’re heading to FIU in Miami so you can train with Olympic coach Juan Marino. That’s exciting—and warm!
I’m not feeling bad about leaving the cold.
Taekwondo requires you to make a certain weight. You work out six days a week—do you follow a pretty strict diet, too?
I try to be disciplined with it and stay consistent. It’s a lot less stress to do that then to always be cutting and worrying about making weight.
What’s your favorite food?
AB: My mom has me hooked on green smoothies right now, but I love macaroni and cheese, too.
