As the Paris Summer Olympics draw closer, anticipation is mounting for Michelle Tau, Lesotho’s trailblazing taekwondo athlete. On Wednesday, August 7, Tau will step onto the Olympic stage, becoming the first taekwondo representative from Lesotho to compete in the Games in 20 years. The journey to this prestigious event has been marked by immense dedication, unwavering support, and a deep-rooted family legacy in the sport.
Tau’s introduction to taekwondo was deeply personal. Her father, John Tau, was a national taekwondo legend in Lesotho, and his passion for the sport left a lasting impression on her. Although he passed away when Michelle was young, his legacy has been a guiding light in her athletic career. “Taekwondo is a family sport for me,” she reflects, crediting her late father for instilling in her the discipline and love for the martial art.
The journey to the Olympics has been anything but easy for Tau. It required relentless training, significant sacrifices, and an unyielding spirit. Her dedication paid off when she won at the African Qualifying Tournament in Dakar, Senegal, in February 2024, securing her place in the women’s under 49 kg category at the Olympics. Reflecting on her achievement, Tau remarked, “Everything is possible but it has not been easy to get to the Olympics. It requires a lot of sacrifices, but with determination, dedication, prayer, and good support, everything is possible.”
One of the cornerstones of Tau’s success has been the support from her partners, Mchezo, a Rwanda-based company focused on investing in the future of sport and technology in Africa. Mchezo, in collaboration with the government of Lesotho, has played a pivotal role in Tau’s preparation for the Olympics. The firm facilitated her training at top taekwondo centers and programs in Germany and Spain, providing her with the exposure and experience needed to compete at the highest level.
Ntoudi Mouyelo, a representative of Mchezo, speaks highly of Tau’s drive and determination. “From the moment we were first introduced to her to this date, we at Mchezo have never once doubted her drive to excel. It was very clear from the word go that she was a cut above the rest, the kind of sports personality anyone can enjoy working with,” Mouyelo said.
Tau’s training regime, under the guidance of her coach Hugo Tortosa, has been rigorous and focused. Tortosa, one of the youngest coaches at the Olympics at just 24 years old, has tailored her training to be highly specific to her first fight. “In taekwondo, you can only think about the first opponent because if you do not pass that round, you cannot compete further, so we can’t think about other opponents at this time,” Tortosa explained.
With the Olympics just days away, Michelle Tau is not only prepared physically but also mentally and emotionally. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, community support, and the indomitable human spirit. As she steps onto the mat on August 7, Tau carries with her the hopes and dreams of her nation, her family, and all those who have supported her along the way. Regardless of the outcome, Michelle Tau has already made history and paved the way for future generations of athletes from Lesotho.
