First published by Cheryl Williams in The Portager, Ohio native Bella Fazekas has been an AAU member for 8 years and counting. She also medaled at the 2024 AAU Junior Olympic Games in Greensboro, North Carolina. 

The original story can be found: Here

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At just 17 years old, Bella Fazekas, known in Taekwondo circles as “Bella the Beast,” has earned an extraordinary title — third in the World for Taekwondo Sparring in the Junior Female category (ages 15-17, under 55 kg).

A competitor driven by passion, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Bella’s rise to the top is a testament to years of hard work, training, and an innate love for the sport.

A journey that began at 7

Bella’s Taekwondo journey began when she was only 7 years old. Growing up in a family where her older brothers practiced the sport and her mother was a skilled Taekwondo student, Bella was naturally drawn to Taekwondo, always striving to keep up with them.

“I joined because of my older brothers; I always had to keep up with them,” she recalls. This drive to challenge herself and be part of the family tradition set the stage for her eventual success.

Bella joined the Asian Sun Competition team as a teenager, quickly making her mark. Motivated by a desire to spar at the highest level. Under the guidance of Grand Ryan Master Andrachik, Master Vincent Ripepi and others, Bella has honed her skills, becoming one of the top young athletes in the Taekwondo world.

Bella’s hard work has paid off in the form of countless accolades and titles. A member of the USA Taekwondo team for four years, Bella has been ranked number one in the country in her age group since she was only 10 years old. This year, she added another prestigious achievement: She was named AAU Sparring Athlete of the Year.

Her competitive resume includes appearances at major World Championships: Uzbekistan (2019), Bulgaria (2022), and Korea (2024), where she recently placed fifth.

These experiences have shaped Bella, not only as an athlete but also as a representative of the United States on the international stage. Her participation in these World Championships, especially when traveling with her brother, remains one of her fondest memories.

Bella’s dedication to Taekwondo is evident in her rigorous training schedule. She works out six days a week, often doubling her training sessions when competition season arrives. But it’s not just physical training that keeps Bella at the top; it’s her mental focus as well.

Bella’s mother attributes her high “fight IQ” to her calm composure under pressure and mental toughness. Bella herself enjoys watching fight footage ahead of time to strategize and prepare mentally for her matches.

Despite being a perfectionist who hates to lose, Bella has learned valuable lessons from her coaches about keeping Taekwondo fun. She credits the Asian Sun team, particularly the Andrachik/Repepi family, for creating an environment where success and enjoyment of the sport go hand in hand.

Overcoming perfectionism and embracing growth

Bella admits that her biggest challenge is her perfectionism — setting high standards for herself and the pressure that comes with it. But as she continues to grow, she has learned to balance striving for excellence with the importance of enjoying the journey.

Her coaches at Asian Sun emphasize that the love for Taekwondo is the key to long-term success, and Bella has embraced this mindset wholeheartedly.

“They instilled the missing piece in me,” she says. “Now I’m training harder but still having fun.”

Representing the U.S. and looking to the future

Bella’s time at the World Championships and her international experiences have been unforgettable.

“All World Championships I have attended have been my favorite for different reasons, but Korea has to be my top, due to its cultural significance as the birthplace of Taekwondo,” she said. Her proudest moment? Winning gold at the U.S. Open at just 11 years old.

Looking ahead, Bella has set her sights on even greater goals. Her dream is to compete in the 2028 Olympics, transitioning to the Senior Division while continuing to represent the United States on the world stage.

She is also focused on her education, balancing her training with schoolwork as she attends Aurora High School.

A legacy of giving back

Bella also has long-term goals beyond competing. She aspires to work in sports, helping others achieve their dreams as her coaches have helped her. “I feel like I owe my success to my coaches,” she says. “Each one has added something to me that’s made me successful.”

Bella’s ultimate goal is to inspire others, just as she has been inspired. With the guidance of her coaches, particularly the Andrachik/Ripepi family, and the constant support of her family and the Asian Sun team, Bella is in the perfect position to continue thriving both on and off the mat.

Future star in Taekwondo

Bella Fazekas’ journey in Taekwondo is just beginning, but her accomplishments thus far are nothing short of remarkable. From her early days training at age seven to becoming one of the top-ranked sparrers in the world, Bella has proven herself to be a force in the sport. With her focus on fun, excellence, and inspiring others, the sky is the limit for this young champion.

Her passion for Taekwondo, dedication to her craft, and drive to achieve are qualities that will continue to serve her well as she looks to the future. Whether it’s at the 2028 Olympics or beyond, Bella Fazekas is a name that will be remembered in the Taekwondo community for years to come.