What a year it’s been for Laetitia Aoun. The 23-year-old sportswoman, who balances life as both a Taekwondo athlete and a medical student, first made waves at the 33rd edition of the Summer Olympic Games, which took place in Paris over the last summer. There, the young martial artist came heartbreakingly close to ending her native Lebanon’s 44-year Olympic medal drought, narrowly missing the podium after being defeated by Canadian Skylar Park in the bronze medal match of her weight class.
Since then, Aoun has remained steady on her mission to be recognized as one of the greatest to step on a tatami. Ranked fifth worldwide following her Olympic appearance, she continued to train rigorously, spending late nights and early mornings either behind a desk preparing for her next university deadline or inside a gym working on how to tackle her next fixture. Slowly, but surely, making a name for herself as an athlete to pay close attention to— and maybe even place a bet on if you’re feeling luck — the Beirut-born competitor is proving, like many others before her have, that nothing is impossible with just the right amount of focus and hard work.
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A quick look at her track record and it’s easy to understand why she’s turning heads. In her last four bouts as a junior fighter, Aoun earned herself a perfect streak of four back-to-back wins, boosting her confidence ahead of her official transition into a senior-level athlete in 2018. Unfazed by the higher stakes and tougher duels that come with her new competition level, Aoun’s trophy cabinet has considerably grown since 2018, now featuring 14 gold medals from local, regional, and international tournaments, including six consecutive first place positions at the Lebanese Championship from 2019 to 2023.
To celebrate her rapid ascent as well as her recent accomplishments, we sat down with Aoun to discuss her journey, her mindset, and what’s on the horizon for her as she prepares for her next challenge. Below, a transcript of our recent conversation.
What initially drew you towards martial arts and why did you settle on Taekwondo specifically?
When I was younger, my mom encouraged me to try all kinds of sports. I did swimming, tennis, judo, gymnastics, horseback riding, skiing, and Taekwondo. At 12-years-old, I earned my black belt in Taekwondo, and just two months later, I made the national team and qualified for the Cadet World Championship in Baku. That first experience at the championship was humbling—I had my first fight against the eventual champion and lost 13-0. But instead of being discouraged, I took it as a positive learning experience and a motivator to improve.
A few months later, I competed in an international open championship in Turkey, where the level of competition was incredibly high. I was just excited to participate, but I surprised everyone, including myself, by making it to the semi-finals and earning a silver medal. My parents, who had booked our return tickets for Sunday afternoon because I had school the next day, had to quickly change our plans. That moment was a turning point for me. It sparked a deeper passion for Taekwondo, and from then on, it became one of my top priorities.
What role does discipline and mental focus play in martial arts for you?
My mental focus, in particular, is my strongest weapon both before and during a fight. I’ve had competitions where I was 90% mentally ready but not in peak physical shape—and still came out victorious. On the other hand, I’ve also faced matches where I was physically prepared but lacked the same mental sharpness and didn’t perform as well. This contrast has taught me just how critical mindset is in this sport.
The truth is, my mental preparation varies with every competition. I’ve never approached two events feeling exactly the same or facing the same obstacles. However, I’ve learned that staying on top of my responsibilities outside of Taekwondo, like medical school, plays a huge role. Knowing my schoolwork is under control clears my mind and removes distractions, allowing me to focus fully on the fight ahead.
Discipline is another essential aspect of my martial arts journey. For me, training from 7:30 to 9:30 at night is non-negotiable. During those two hours, my sole priority is Taekwondo—regardless of whether I have an exam the next day or a dinner planned with friends. Even when I’m injured, I find ways to train and stay engaged with the sport. That commitment to showing up and giving my best, no matter the circumstances, has been a guiding principle in both my athletic and academic pursuits.
Have you had any experiences where people underestimated you? How did you prove them wrong?
Throughout my journey, I’ve had plenty of experiences where people underestimated me, whether in sports, academics, or balancing both. I’ve heard comments like, “Why go to the Olympics when so many others who worked harder didn’t make it?” or “Why waste your time training when you could just enjoy life?” Even before entering medical school, there were people who doubted my ability to manage the demands of both Taekwondo and medicine. But I’ve learned not to take negative comments personally. Instead of letting them affect me, I focus on what I need to do and what I want to achieve. My approach has always been to stay grounded and let my work speak for itself.
In the end, I see my career as the ultimate proof that those doubts don’t define me. Competing at the Olympics while pursuing medical school is something I’m deeply proud of, and it’s a testament to my resilience and determination. What matters most to me isn’t what others think but staying true to my goals and pushing forward, no matter the challenges or doubts along the way.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of practicing martial arts?
The most rewarding aspect of practicing martial arts has been the connections and friendships I’ve built along the way. The people I train with every day have become like a second family to me. We share the same values, mindsets, and drive, which creates a bond that’s hard to find elsewhere. The camaraderie and mutual understanding we share make the challenges of training and competing so much more meaningful.
Beyond my immediate training circle, martial arts has allowed me to connect with people from all over the world. Traveling for competitions has introduced me to incredible individuals who inspire me, support me, and remind me of the global community that exists within the sport. These friendships transcend borders and have become some of the most valuable parts of my journey.
Who were some of your role models growing up?
My parents have always been my greatest role models. Growing up, I didn’t fully understand the extent of their influence on me, but as I’ve gotten older, I can see how much of who I am today is a reflection of their values and the example they set. They weren’t the kind of people to give long lectures or impose their expectations on me—instead, they led by example in how they approached their own lives.
My mom inspired me with her energy and dedication. She encouraged me to explore a variety of activities, showing me the importance of curiosity and persistence. Watching her balance our family life and supporting my many pursuits taught me how to manage my time and stay committed, which has been crucial as I balance Taekwondo and medical school.
My dad, on the other hand, taught me resilience and the value of hard work. His calm and steady encouragement gave me the confidence to tackle challenges, whether it was training for a competition or handling academic pressure. Together, they created an environment where I felt supported yet independent, giving me the freedom to dream big while holding myself accountable.
Could you walk us through a typical day of training for you?
Every day looks a little different for me, depending on my medical school schedule, but I can walk you through what a typical training day looked like before the Olympics. On most mornings, I’d head to the gym for strength or conditioning work, usually around 7 a.m. or later in the afternoon, depending on my university courses. My schedule revolved around balancing training and academics, so between workouts, I’d attend lectures or find time to study.
Evenings were dedicated to Taekwondo. From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., I’d have my main training session, focusing on techniques, sparring, or endurance. On some days, I managed to fit in two Taekwondo sessions, while on others, I’d prioritize a single session if I had a full day of university classes. It was a constant juggling act, but I made it work by staying organized and disciplined.
Currently, with my hospital rotations, training twice a day has become more challenging. The long hours at the hospital require me to adapt my routine, but my evening Taekwondo sessions remain constant. They’re a non-negotiable part of my day, offering not just physical preparation but also a mental reset after a demanding day in medicine.
How do you mentally prepare for a big competition or fixture?
When it comes to mentally preparing for a big competition or match, I don’t believe in making drastic changes to my routine. I’ve found that maintaining a sense of normalcy is key to staying grounded and focused. I continue going out with my friends, spending time with the people who support me, and even occasionally attending parties—though without alcohol, of course. The only area where I make adjustments is with my diet, as maintaining my weight is essential for competing in my category. Beyond that, I prioritize keeping my life balanced and enjoyable. I’ve learned that if I’m happy and comfortable in my day-to-day life, it translates into better performance during competitions. Stress or unnecessary restrictions only distract me, so I focus on staying relaxed and confident. For me, preparation is about being consistent and trusting the work I’ve already put in during training. By staying true to my routine and surrounding myself with positivity, I ensure that I step into each competition feeling both mentally and physically ready.
If you could describe the feeling of representing your country at such prestigious events such as the Olympic Games, how would you?
Representing my country at the Olympic Games is a feeling that’s hard to put into words. An international coach once told me, “Laetitia, you put Lebanon on the map in Taekwondo.” That sentiment has stayed with me because it perfectly captures the pride and purpose I feel every time I step onto the mat. For some people, Lebanon might be a country they’ve never heard of or didn’t realize had a strong Taekwondo presence. But through my efforts, I hope I’ve shown the world that Lebanon is not only beautiful but also home to talented and determined athletes.
For me, competing at this level is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a sense of pride and accomplishment for my country. Carrying the Lebanese flag on such a global stage fills me with gratitude and honor. Of course, this pride also comes with immense responsibility. At times, the weight of representing an entire nation can feel overwhelming. But what keeps me grounded and motivated are the people back home. Knowing that I’m inspiring the youth and giving a whole nation something to dream about makes every challenge worth it. Seeing young Lebanese athletes look up to me and believe in their own potential reminds me why I do what I do. Representing Lebanon at the Olympics and other high-level events isn’t just about winning medals—it’s about creating hope and showing what’s possible with hard work and determination.
What role does nutrition and recovery play in your performance?
Nutrition and recovery play a significant role in my performance as a Taekwondo athlete. Since I compete in the under-57kg category, maintaining my weight within this range is always a priority. On a day-to-day basis, I enjoy a variety of foods and don’t believe in strict restrictions. For me, a balanced approach to nutrition works best, allowing me to stay healthy and energized without unnecessary stress.
When a competition gets closer, however, I become more mindful of my calorie intake and adjust my diet to ensure I’m within my weight category. Interestingly, I don’t cut out indulgences entirely—sweets, for example, are something I’ll still eat the day before and even on the day of a competition. I’ve found that feeling happy and satisfied with what I eat has a direct impact on my mental state. And since I believe 60% of the fight is mental, keeping my mind in a positive, focused place is just as important as my physical preparation.
Recovery is equally vital to my performance. Whether it’s through rest, proper hydration, or light training after an intense session, I prioritize recovery to ensure I can perform at my best during both training and competitions. Nutrition and recovery go hand in hand, supporting not just my body but my mind as well, helping me stay resilient and prepared for whatever challenges come my way.
How do you balance the physical demands of martial arts with the needs of your body?
Taekwondo is an incredibly physically demanding sport, and balancing its requirements with the needs of my body has been an ongoing challenge. Competing in the -57kg category since I was 18 has required me to carefully manage my weight, which hasn’t always been easy as my body has naturally changed over the years. I’ve learned the hard way that drastic weight drops can take a toll on my body, often leading to injuries during training. To mitigate this, I now make an effort to stay as close to my competition weight as possible year-round.
To support my body and reduce the risk of injury, I’ve incorporated a gym-based preventive workout routine into my training schedule. This intense program has been a game-changer, helping me build strength and resilience to meet the physical demands of the sport. Recovery and self-care are also essential to maintaining balance. For example, I always prioritize my sleep—no matter how busy my schedule gets.
On particularly long days at university, when I feel physically or mentally drained, I make it a point to rest before heading to training. Even a short nap can make a big difference in how I perform during evening sessions. Balancing the demands of martial arts with what my body needs requires constant attention and adjustments, but I’ve come to see it as part of the process. Listening to my body and respecting its limits has been key to staying healthy and performing at my best.
How do you balance being a high-level athlete with other aspects of your life, such as work or family?
Balancing my life as a high-level athlete with other aspects like work, family, and medical school has undoubtedly been the most challenging part of my career so far. My friends and family are my biggest support system, and their encouragement has been invaluable in helping me navigate the demands of Taekwondo and academics. They’ve always been there for me, and their support was especially meaningful when they traveled from around the world to watch me compete at the Olympics in Paris. Staying connected with them, no matter how busy life gets, is one of my top priorities. I value their opinions and share nearly everything with them—they’re an integral part of every decision I make.
At the same time, balancing this close-knit personal life with the rigorous schedules of medical school and Taekwondo training has been a continuous learning process. There are days when it feels overwhelming, but I’ve found that clear priorities and effective time management are key. My ability to juggle these responsibilities is something I take pride in—after all, I’m now in my third year of medical school and have had the incredible opportunity to compete at the Olympics.
If it wasn’t for sports, what else do you think you’d be doing today?
I’d probably be a full-time medical student instead of balancing my time between Taekwondo and my studies. In a way, it’s ironic, because even in my current situation, medicine has always been a significant part of my life and goals. That said, sports have played such a central role in shaping who I am that it’s hard to imagine my life without them. The discipline, focus, and resilience I’ve developed as an athlete have influenced how I approach everything, including my studies. Without the structure and lessons that sports provide, I think I’d still gravitate toward challenges that require the same level of dedication and perseverance, but my life would certainly look different.
What are some of your future goals, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Right now, my priority is to figure out what I want next from my Taekwondo career and my journey in medicine. I know that both require significant dedication, and I want to ensure that the choices I make align with my long-term passions and aspirations. For now, my approach is to take things one step at a time—focusing on each task or opportunity with all my heart and giving it my full effort. Whether it’s preparing for a major competition or advancing in my medical studies, I believe in committing completely to the process. Ultimately, I trust that by staying true to my values and putting my best into everything I do, I’ll eventually find the right place for myself. My goals may evolve over time, but my dedication and determination to excel in both sports and medicine will remain constant.
How do you envision your life after competitive martial arts?
Just as I’ve pushed myself to excel in Taekwondo, I see myself bringing that same competitive spirit into the field of medicine, striving to be the best version of myself in whatever specialty I choose. The lessons I’ve learned through martial arts—discipline, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure—will undoubtedly carry over into my medical practice. I hope to build a career where I can challenge myself daily, whether it’s by solving complex medical problems, improving patient outcomes, or contributing to advancements in my chosen field. While my focus will shift from competing on the mat to making an impact in healthcare, I don’t see myself losing touch with the principles and mindset that martial arts has instilled in me. In many ways, I believe my journey in Taekwondo has prepared me for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in medicine.
Credits:
Photography: Patrick Mecherkany @patrickmecherkany
Styling: Rinad Saad @rinaaaaddd
MUH: Moe Rida @_moerida
Talent: Laetitia Aoun @laetitia_aoun
Agency: Local Vice Management @local.vice
