Taekwondo athletes from Vernon showcased their skills at a national competition, bringing home four medals.

Athletes from Sundance Martial Arts travelled to Levis, Que., for the 2025 International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) Canadian National Championships from May 17-18.

Vernon sent a team of four black belt competitors, who were among 500 total competitors.

Jack Sharkey led the way for Sundance. The 16-year-old won gold in the 75-plus kilograms junior male sparring category. The gold automatically secured his spot on Team Canada for a second time. He last competed for his country at the 2023 World Championships in Finland and the World Cup in Argentina in 2024. 

Kameron Beardsell won bronze in the same category. The 17-year-old faced off against Sharkey in an entertaining round robin match. The two also participated in the junior team sparring event, winning silver.

Jill Donald won gold in the junior girls power breaking and silver in the 61-65 kgs sparring category. Shelby Richard also competed for Sundance, but was unable to secure a podium spot. 

鈥淲e are incredibly proud of all of our athletes who competed at this event and truly represented their club, community and province with the highest level of sportsmanship and determination," head coach David White said. 

Sharkey, Donald, and Beardsell were all invited to take part in the  final team selection for Team Canada in different categories. Sharkey successfully qualified for the junior second-degree patterns category, while Donald was selected for sparring. Both will represent their country at the ITF World Taekwondo Championships in Porec, Croatia in October. 

More information on Sundance Martial Arts can be found at