Jamaican teen Daniel Balli wins double gold at Masters Cup Colombia

Jamaican national taekwondo athlete, Daniel Balli delivered an outstanding performance this weekend at the Masters Cup in Colombia, capturing two gold medals while representing Jamaica on the international stage.

Competing against top athletes from across the region, the 15-year-old Team Jamaica member won gold in both the Junior Men’s -59kg Division and the Senior Men’s -58kg Division, demonstrating exceptional skill, discipline, and determination beyond his years. 

Balli’s double-gold performance continues an impressive 2026 campaign that has already included representing Jamaica at the World Taekwondo Junior Championships in Uzbekistan, earning a bronze medal at Canada Open G2, and multiple international podium finishes.

The victory comes as Balli continues his journey toward major international competitions, including upcoming events in Korea and Peru, while pursuing his long-term goal of competing on the world’s biggest stages. His success highlights the growing strength of Jamaica’s taekwondo program and serves as an inspiration to young athletes in Jamaica and the Diaspora.

A student at Pembroke Pines Charter High School in Florida and a member of Champion Martial Arts, Balli began taekwondo at age 3½ and earned his First Dan Black Belt at age 11. He currently holds the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt and is considered one of Jamaica’s promising young taekwondo talents.

“This achievement is the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, and the support of coaches, family, sponsors, and the Jamaican community,” explains Balli, declaring, “I am honoured to represent Jamaica every time I step onto the mat.”

Balli, who is a 2nd Degree Black Belt, trains at Champion Martial Arts in Pembroke Pines, Florida, and proudly represents Jamaica in international competition.