Tae Kwon Do Champion

Hank is ultra competitive.  I first realized this when he was barely 3 years old.  Our Candyland games soon ended up being all out battles.  He absolutely hates to lose and has the utmost confidence he can win at everything he does.  I admire his 6 year old confidence so much.  I don't know that I've ever had such confidence.  I hope he will always feel that he can accomplish anything his heart desires.  That being said, his latest goal was to win a trophy in every event at the Utah Open Tae Kwon Do Tournament.  He really trained hard the last few months, going to Tae Kwon Do as much as 4 nights a week.  We entered him in the obstacle course, board breaking, and sparring.  Of course he came down with a nasty cough a few days before the competition but nothing was going to get in his way.  His diabetes really complicates matters and it is my responsibility to make sure his blood sugar is in the perfect range for optimum performance.  I know he is unstoppable as long as he doesn't go low.  

His first event was the obstacle course. My dad and I were positioned perfectly to watch all the competitors times.  It was a really tight race but Hank came out on top. 

 His next event was board breaking.  If he was nervous he sure didn't show it.  He had four boards to break.  First break was an axe kick, second was a punch, third side kick, and last was an elbow break.  He did it with so much speed and precision it was impossible to get a good action shot.  I have it on video though.  Again it was a really close race.  He ended tying with another kid for first place.

 He was the talk of the tourney with two first place trophy's.  We had a few hours to eat lunch before his final event.  I had the carbs counted perfectly and thought we had timed it perfectly so if he did go low after lunch we had plenty of time to correct it.  We ate at my mom and dad's house and were relaxing there when I got a text from another Tae Kwon Do mom saying they were starting sparring early.  We frantically raced out of the house, forgetting nearly everything.  Hank changed into his gear in the car and checked his blood sugar.  He was over 200 so I thought he would be o.k.  We literally ran into the building just in time.  

He was matched up against a kid in his class named Jacob.  It was a perfect match up.  In the first round, Hank was dominating when he motioned time-out to the ref.  My heart sank...he was low.  There was only 10 seconds left so he powered through.  When he took his helmet off he was white as a ghost.  Randy quickly shoved fruit snacks down his throat and it was time for round 2 to begin.  My heart was racing with worry.  He came out fighting full force and was leading but then lost steam and Jacob caught up, tying the score at the last second.  The match went into overtime and Hank needed juice, which I left at my moms.  Luckily Sarah came through and we chucked Jack's juice cup down to Randy just in time.  Overtime lasts just until the first point is scored and Hank landed the first kick and won the match!  I was shaking.  Holy crap, I don't think I can handle this.  

 His final 1st place trophy of the day!  He earned that one for sure.  Hank had the most incredible cheering squad.  Of course his number one fan was there.  Max could have cared less about the first two events but when Hank was sparring he had his full attention on his brother.

 They discussed the win and exchanged a hug.

 Grandma Jackie and Grandpa Curt stayed for the entire tournament.  They were so proud.

 Scott and Grandma Jeri made it just in time to see him fight.  Sam was a total champ all day.

 Colby and Dyson were freaking out the entire match.  The Royster's have Hank's back for sure!

Brett, Jack, and Sarah also ran in the door just in time to see the main event.  Jack has even more love for Hank now and wouldn't part with his helmet.  I really think that in such a close match, his supporters made all the difference in him winning.  He loves to perform for his fans.  It means the world to my little family to have all their support.  I had to hold back the tears, watching Hank overcome all the challenges that come with being a type 1 diabetic at a sporting event.  I hate that he has to worry about it all the time.  I hate that he has to call time out in the middle of a fight because he is worried he might pass out.  He inspires me everyday.  He rose above it all and accomplished his goals and I am so full of pride for my little boy I can't even stand it. We're going to need a trophy case!