Lesotho’s Michelle Tau has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the world of Taekwondo, cementing her status as Africa’s top taekwondo athlete and 3rd in the world in the -46kg category, trailing behind Korea’s Mi-Reu Kang and Croatia’s Lena Stojkovic. This has led to an impressive climb to the 26th spot in the Olympic Rankings, Michelle’s journey is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the unwavering support of her nation.
As the pride and joy of Lesotho, Michelle Tau’s ascent to the pinnacle of Taekwondo has been nothing short of remarkable. Following in the footsteps of her late father, who was also a Mosotho Taekwondo legend , Michelle has carved her own path to success, fueled by a burning passion for her sport and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
As a beneficiary of the Olympic Scholarship for Athletes – Paris 2024, Michelle has spent the past few months honing her skills at the Taekwondo Tortosa-Artata Training Centre in Madrid, Spain, under the expert guidance of renowned coach Hugo Tortosa. The Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC), together with the government of Lesotho, has spared no expense in supporting Michelle’s training, covering all expenses associated with accommodation, meals, and professional training and coaching.
Michelle’s journey reached a significant milestone in February 2024 when she secured her spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games through the African Qualifying Tournament in Dakar, Senegal. With the support of the LNOC, Michelle and her coach were provided with full reimbursement for travel expenses, meals, and allowances, ensuring that they could focus solely on their petformance.
Looking ahead, the LNOC has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Michelle as she prepares for upcoming competitions, including the African President’s Cup in Equatorial Guinea. Since the beginning of the Olympic Scholarship in January 2022, Michelle has received invaluable support totaling over M800,000, a testament to LNOC’s dedication to fostering sporting talent and promoting athletic excellence in Lesotho
Beyond her achievements on the mat, Michelle Tau is a champion for women’s rights and empowerment. With a heart dedicated to making a difference, she advocates tirelessly for gender equality and the eradication of gender-based violence, using her platform as a taekwondo champion to inspire change and empower women and girls around the world.
