It's not often taekwondo master and elite sportswoman, Fay Shacklock is lost for words.
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But, Fay said she was 'absolutely gobsmacked' after learning late last year of her appointment to the Taekwondo Hall of Fame in New York as Australia's national director.
"I'm still pinching myself. It is a very honorable role."
What had Fay even more chuffed was her nomination to the position by hall of fame founder and president, Gerard Robbins.
A who's who of the taekwondo world, grand master Robbins established the Taekwondo Hall of Fame back in the late 1990s, while the first official ceremony to acknowledge inductees and those who received citations was held in 2007.
The international organisation was created to preserve the history of taekwondo, and honor those who contributed to the creation, development and promotion of the sport.
Fay has had a long history with the hall of fame. In 2013 she was first person inducted in the 'humanitarian' category, in recognition of three decades of work working and helping out in her community.
To be selected for induction into the Taekwondo Hall of Fame, or to be selected for a Certificate of Special Recognition, honorees must meet a number of criteria.
Fay's role is to source taekwondo men and women who 'fit' the criteria for induction or citation.
"I was inducted into category one; the highest category."
I'm still pinching myself. It is a very honorable role.
- Fay Shacklock
Fay is just one of three Australian women to hold the prestigious two year appointment; 2000 Olympic gold medalist Lauren Burns OAM and 1992 Australian Olympic representative, Denise Parmley.
Fay was 'taken aback' when she was appointment the inaugural Ambassador for Australian Taekwondo in 2017.
Australian Taekwondo is the only national sporting organisation for taekwondo in Australia recognised by the Federal government and the Olympic committee.
Fay believed her sporting appointments were not only due to her status in the sport of taekwondo as a seventh dan, but for her volunteer work with the disabled and Aboriginal communities, and victims of domestic violence.
"Taekwondo means the world to me; I love what I do, but I can't explain the feeling I have for it.
"It gives me happiness because I make others happy."
Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
