Pacheco Crowned World Champion in Wuxi
Wuxi, China – Brazil's Maria Clara Pacheco has made history, securing her first senior world title at the 2025 World Taekwondo Championships held in Wuxi, China. The 22-year-old athlete triumphed in the women's 57kg final on Friday, October 24, defeating reigning 2024 Olympic champion Kim Yu-jin of South Korea in a decisive 2-0 victory. This momentous win marks a significant milestone for both Pacheco and Brazilian taekwondo.
A Dominant Performance in the Final
The highly anticipated final saw World No. 1 Pacheco face off against the formidable Kim Yu-jin. After a cautious start, Pacheco gained momentum, edging the first round on point advantage. She then sealed her maiden world crown in the second round with a decisive high kick, closing it 12-10. Pacheco's victory was one of the opening gold medals of the championships, which are scheduled to run from October 24 to 30, 2025, at the Wuxi Taihu International Expo Center.
Maria Clara Pacheco: A Rising Star
Pacheco's journey to the top has been marked by consistent performance and dedication. Prior to this gold medal, she was a bronze medalist at the 2023 World Championships. The 2025 season has been particularly successful for Pacheco, who also claimed a gold medal at the 2025 World University Games. Her current status as the World No. 1 in the 57kg category underscores her dominance in the sport. Following her victory, Pacheco expressed her elation, stating, 'This is the happiest moment of my life. I was a bronze medalist in 2023, and now it's gold. My mentality was focused on the gold medal every second of the fight. I can't explain how I feel-it's something new and different.'
Brazilian Taekwondo Returns to the Summit
Pacheco's triumph is a historic moment for Brazil, as it marks the country's return to the top of the taekwondo world podium after two decades. The last Brazilian to achieve a world title in the sport was Natália Falavigna in 2005. In the same women's 57kg category, the bronze medals were awarded to Luo Zongshi of China and Fadia Khirfan of Jordan. The championships continue with various categories, promising more intense competition throughout the week.
9 Comments
Michelangelo
It's fantastic to see Brazil back on top after two decades, a testament to Pacheco's dedication. Yet, considering the 'China's Dominance' context, it also shows that even with significant investment in sports, individual brilliance can still triumph over national programs.
Leonardo
Seems like the real dominance is in hosting, not in winning the big ones this time.
Michelangelo
Incredible performance! She absolutely dominated the final, well deserved champion.
Leonardo
Unbelievable skill and determination. She fought for that gold every second.
Michelangelo
Hosting a championship doesn't automatically mean you're dominant. This proves it.
Leonardo
This 'dominance' primary topic feels forced when the news is about Brazil's victory.
lettlelenok
So much for 'China's Dominance' when a Brazilian takes the main prize.
ytkonos
This win for Pacheco truly makes history for Brazilian Taekwondo, breaking a long dry spell. On the other hand, the sheer scale and organization of the event in Wuxi still subtly underscore China's capacity to stage world-class championships, reinforcing a different kind of 'dominance'.
dedus mopedus
Brazil is back on the Taekwondo map! Pacheco is an inspiration for all.