US taekwondo squad is a family affair

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-07 10:24

US Olympians Steven, Diana, Mark, and coach Jean Lopez. CFP

The family that plays together stays together.

Well, the Lopez family has more than just some friendly playfulness on their minds at the 2008 Olympics.

The trio of siblings all have excellent chances of taking gold in taekwondo.

Steven Lopez is a two-time defending Olympic champion, while Mark and Diana will make their Olympic debuts in Beijing, where eldest brother Jean will coach Team USA for the second time.

The trio of gold hopefuls from Sugar Land, Texas, will make Olympic history as first three siblings to appear at the same Olympics since US gymnast brothers Edward, Richard and William Tritschler competed at the 1904 St Louis Olympics.

Steven Lopez, 29, is by far the most established of the siblings after collecting featherweight (68kg) gold in 2000 and then welterweight (80kg) gold in Athens. He also has captured the last four world titles.

The family's highlight to date came at the 2005 World Championships in Madrid, where all three athletes were crowned world champion - the first three siblings in any sport to win world titles at the same event.

Mark Lopez, 26, will go for gold in the featherweight division while Diana, 24, will compete in lightweight.

DPA

(China Daily 08/07/2008 page17)