Standing in a noisy gym full of ongoing bouts, she focuses only on her next opponent. These weekends are left often untold — loud, focused, and competitive.
Elise “Jungsoo” Hahn, now a sophomore at Los Altos High School, has been a competitive taekwondo athlete for over two years. Though it didn’t just start two years ago: at 6 years old, she threw her first punch at Taekwon Kids after feeling inspired by Sensei Wu from Ninjago, fueled by “chaotic energy.”
-years-old.
“I remember there were days where I felt terrible and that I didn’t deserve to be on the mat,” Jungsoo said. “But my coaches always helped encourage me and improve. I would not be where I am without them.”
When she’s not on the mat, Jungsoo enjoys tennis, piano, and spending time with her dog, Jong Jong — a shiba inu that constantly reminds Jungsoo that love isn’t all about her medals. From starting as a white belt to competing at national competitions, taekwondo has strengthened Jungsoo’s determination, while her dog has reminded her to carry that journey with playfulness.
“At competitions, when I’m nervous, I just remember that no matter if I win or lose, my dog will love me no matter what,” Jungsoo said.
For now, Jungsoo plans to continue taekwondo until she graduates, to sharpen her strategy and focus on learning how to be decisive under pressure. She hopes that one day she will be competing at the U.S. Open.
“It’s ok to fail. Every great athlete started out at the same level as you. It’s not something you’re naturally good at. You get better through loss, effort, and trial. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake.”
Jungsoo Hahn, 2025
Teens of Bay Area 
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