World Karate Federation president focused on LA28

The WKF president met with U.S. Olympic athletes with an eye on regaining Olympic inclusion

The president of the World Karate Federation (WKF) Antonio Espinós was in Portugal over the weekend, but his mind was clearly thousands of miles away on Los Angeles.

While in Portugal, Espinós met with U.S. Olympic athletes Thomas Scott, Sakura Kokumai and Ariel Torres. They were competing at the Karate 1-Premier League event in Matosinhos, Portugal.

Torres won the bronze medal in the Male Kata category in Tokyo 2020 and would love to continue her Olympic dream at home in LA28. They are all committed to helping karate regain Olympic status after being left off the Paris 2024 program.

“I want to thank Ariel, Thomas and Sakura for taking the time to meet today, and for their enthusiasm and cooperation in such an important project for the karate world,” said Espinós.

Although karate was not listed on the initial program for LA28, the road to inclusion is still open, and the WKF is committed to doing whatever needs to be done to showcase the sport.

“Their feedback is extremely valuable, and their ideas and experience are essential for the success of our Olympic campaign. I am very pleased to note they are fully committed to this project. They are the best ambassadors to show the excellence and many values of our sport.”