Hayder Shkara returns to Padstow after representing Australia in taekwondo at Rio

TAEKWONDO fighter Hayder Shkara broke his ribs in his first match at the Olympics. He thought his Games were over. But he didn’t let it stop him fronting up for more.

Hayder Shkara is back home after representing Australia in the Rio Olympics. Picture: Phil Rogers

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HAYDER Shkara admits it’s a bit of a “come down” returning to Australia after his time at Rio.

The 26-year-old, born and bred in Padstow, said he’s still getting over the “enormity” of representing Australia in taekwondo at the Olympics.

“It’s a crazy feeling coming back from the Olympics,” he said.

“You’re treated like royalty over there and then you come back to living in the suburbs and you’re just a civilian again.”

Shkara finished seventh in the welterweight category, for competitors under 80kg, after two punishing fights.

Hayder Shkara is still trying to get his feet on the ground after Rio. Picture: Phillip Rogers

In his first match against silver medallist Lutalo Muhammad, he broke a rib and thought he was eliminated from the games.

“My first fight was against Great Britain — I got caught off guard and lost,” Shkara said of his fight with Muhammad.

“It was one of my biggest losses and I felt completely humiliated.”

But when the Brit made the finals, Shkara was given another shot at a medal, against five-time Olympian from America, Steven Lopez.

Hayder Shkara is keeping one eye on the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. Picture: Phillip Rogers

The battle was “ridiculously close” and went into a sudden-death round.

But even in sudden death, the two taekwondo practitioners were tied, and ultimately Lopez was named victorious on a count back of touches.

“I wish the result went another way but it was a privilege to have two fights in the Olympics,” Shkara said.

But even after being named seventh in the world in taekwondo, Shkara said he’s not a natural sportsman.

“I’m not talented at sports, not at all,” he said. “I work hard and the result has gotten me to where I am.”

Hayder Shkara in action. Picture: Phillip Rogers

Back in Padstow, Shkara is concentrating on getting his career as a lawyer back on track, surfing and keeping one eye on the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

“My mum’s Japanese so it would be great to be there. I feel like I’d have some kind of home crowd advantage,” he said.