The seventeen-year-old Taekwondo athlete Maria has always wanted to represent Gambia in national and international competitions. She began her career as a Taekwondo athlete at a very young age under the tutelage of her American-based parents.
Maria currently possesses a 1st Dan black belt, a 1st Poom Kukkiwon belt rank, and the Kyorugi taekwondo form. Throughout her taekwondo career with USA Taekwondo, Maria was renowned for her superior combat techniques and won multiple gold medals.
Maria won a Gold medal at the 2022 USATKD Grand Prix Finals, a Gold medal at the 2022 USATKD National Championship, a Gold medal at the 2023 USATKD State Championship, and a Gold medal at the 2023 USATKD Grand Prix Central.
Following a letter from USA Taekwondo confirming Maria Sainabou Marchlinski's transfer to Gambia Taekwondo, Maria has switched her commitment from USA Taekwondo to Gambia. This means Maria can now represent the Gambia in any taekwondo contest.
Maria is eager to represent the Gambia in any capacity. In November of 2023, the African Championship will take place. Maria has expressed a desire to represent the Gambia for the first time to make all Gambians proud and keep the flag flying aloft. A Gambian male Taekwondo athlete participated in and won the bronze medal at the African Championship.
“Again, on behalf of the Gambia Taekwondo Association, we would like to extend our warmest welcome to Maria Sainabou Marchlinski.”
