The biennial games were the biggest ever held in the nine year history of the Masters competition, with over 14 500 entrants. Fourty sports and up to 20 countries were represented by participants over 30 years of age. 

Fay Shacklock, Lee Cotterell, Glenn Flynn, and Scott Gabriel competed in Tae Kwon Do events over the two days of the games coming away with gold and silver medals, and a fourth placing.

“This was the dream team,” said Fay. 

“They were the best I have ever taken away, because they rose so high above their ability.”

Former Sunday school teacher Lee Cotterell, a third dan black belt who has been training with Fay for nine years, won gold in the over 50s division for Creative Patterns, which involves a mix of traditional and original choreographed moves. Lee went on to win silver in Creative Breaking, which consisted of five routines breaking 12mm thick boards.

Glenn Flynn is also a third dan black belt who started learning Tae Kwon Do six years ago with Fay. Last weekend he became the first person in the Great Lakes area to come away with silver in Power Breaking, breaking five one inch boards all at once with a hammer fist. Glenn followed this up with another silver the following day in Sparring, beating students reportedly taught by one of the top Tae Kwon Do coaches in the country.

Introduced to Tae Kwon Do only four years ago, Scott Gabriel was a red belt who competed in divisions above his age group (Scott rose to black belt last week). Scott came away with silver in Creative Breaking, competing against competitors with much more experience.  He won another silver in Sparring, staying up on his feet after a head kick until finally succumbing to a black belt master from New Zealand. Scott also gained fourth place in Traditional Patterns.

“If I had to pick a team player, I would pick Scott” said Fay. 

“He punched miles above his weight. Our players have earned respect in the industry, and have put this little club from Forster on the map.”

As for Fay, a six dan international master black belt heading towards 60 years of age, her reign in Power Breaking continues after she came away undefeated for the 23rd year. The state, national, and international Power Breaking champion continues to break one inch boards like no other. 

“I like trail blazing, but I think I will give it another couple of years to get to a quarter of a century. I think it’s enough of a trail to leave, to ensure it doesn’t get broken,” Fay said.

Her 16 week training plan for everyone, it seems, has well and truly paid off.

Optional: to see footage of Glenn breaking boards with fists, go to www.greatlakesadvocate.com.au