On May 2024, Michelle Tau was honored with the prestigiousSportswoman of the Year Award at the Regional Annual SportsAwards (RASA) held in Lusaka, Zambia, under the auspices of AUSCRegion 5. Competing in this esteemed category, she triumphed overZambia’s netball star Beauty Nakazwe and Botswana’s boxer LethaboModukanele, solidifying her place as a top athlete in Africa. Here is why she was voted Sportswoman of the Year
• Her Global Rankings and Achievements
In recent years, Michekle has earned multiple medals, including a silver medal from the 2019 All Africa Games held in Morocco, a silver medal at the 2020 European Club Championships, a Bronze medal at the African Championship 2021, a Gold medal at the 2022 European Clubs Championships, a Silver Medal at the 2023 European Clubs Championships, a Silver medal at the 2024 Olympic Games qualifications Africa. Michelle Tau’s remarkable ascent in the world of Taekwondo is underscored by her impressive global ranking. As Africa’s top Taekwondo athlete, she holds the third position worldwide in the -46kg category, trailing only behind Korea’s Mi-Reu Kang and Croatia’s Lena Stojkovic. Her performance has also propelled her to the 26th spot in the Olympic Rankings, reflecting her consistent excellence and dedication to the sport.
• Her Dedication Beyond the Mat
Michelle Tau’s influence extends beyond her sporting achievements.She is a fervent advocate for women’s rights and empowerment,leveraging her platform to promote gender equality and combatgender-based violence. Her commitment to these causes underscoresher role as a champion not just in sports but in societal change,making her an inspirational figure for women and girls globally.
• Her Path to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
A significant milestone in Tau’s journey came in February 2024 when she secured her place at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This was a dream come true for her as she worked tirelessly to secure that spot. This achievement was clinched at the African Qualifying Tournament in Dakar, Senegal. The support from the Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) was pivotal, providing full reimbursement for travel expenses, meals, and allowances for both Tau and her coach, allowing them to focus entirely on their performance. She has been training under renowned coach Hugo Tortosa
• Her Statistical Highlights
Rankings: 1st in Africa, 3rd in the world in the -46kg category, 26th in the Olympic Rankings.
Registered Fights: 45 registered fights, 21 wins
Hitpoints: 201 hitpoints distributed and 221 collected during fights. Won 0 golden points and lost 0 golden points
• Her Inspiration and Legacy
Tau’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of unwavering national support. Following in the footsteps of her late father, a Taekwondo legend in Lesotho, she said through her training snd competing, she has always felt connected to him and this has driven her to perfom at her best. Now she has carved her own legacy, driven by passion and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Her story inspires not just athletes in Lesotho but around the world, encouraging them to dream big and strive for greatness.
Michelle Tau’s recent accolade as Sportswoman of the Year 2024 is a recognition of her exceptional talent, her advocacy for social change, and her embodiment of hope and resilience for Basotho. As she prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, her journey continues to inspire and uplift, symbolizing what can be achieved with dedication, support, and a vision for a better future.
