Samery Moras leads a double life: at times she’s your typical U student and at others she’s a renowned martial arts athlete.
For Moras, a business major, the second side is currently dominating. She’s preparing to compete in taekwondo during the 2015 World University Olympic Games in July, which will be held in Korea. She’ll be the only athlete from Utah competing.
Though she has only trained seriously for the past four years, Moras hails from what she calls “a taekwondo family.” Because of that, she’s been around the sport for her entire life.
Moras initially did not like the idea of competing and instead chose a more traditional college experience. She realized she didn’t like that path, however, and turned to taekwondo for an outlet.
“It changed my life dramatically from where it was,” she said.
Now Moras trains three times a day, six days a week, and coaches others ranging from toddlers to adults. Melany Moras, her coach, said dedication and determination drive everything she does.
“It takes a lot of failing and not giving up. Her commitment and perseverance make her stand out,” Melany Moras said. “She is inspiring other kids and athletes from everywhere in the world to be able to pursue their dreams.”
Since she began competing on a higher level, Moras has achieved both national and international success in taekwondo. She competed as part of the 2014 U.S. World Cup team and was named the Female Athlete of the Year at the 2015 National Collegiate Taekwondo Championships.
Moras plans to continue practicing taekwondo even after retiring from competition. She’s not stopping until she reaches the top — first at the University Olympic Games this summer and later at the 2017 World Championships.
“Even if I’m having a hard day, it’s not just about me,” she said. “I want to be a good role model.”