Michael Podbury claims gold in Taekwondo Oceania Championship

MICHAEL Podbury's Olympics goal is on track after he earned a spot on the coveted Olympic Athlete Program in taekwondo.

MICHAEL Podbury's Olympics goal is on track after capturing the under-17 Oceania Championship, earning himself a spot on the coveted Olympic Athlete Program for the 2016 Rio Games.

The 16-year-old is now top ranked in 14 Oceania countries in his age group, having blossomed under coach Di Carn's training at the Rouse Hill-based Irontiger Taekwondo.

His selection in the Olympic program gives him a head start to book a spot in the Australian team, and specialised training. He has also gained valuable Olympic ranking points.

"This is a huge achievement for Michael and Irontiger because only those in this program will be selected for the Olympics," Ms Carn said.

"Michael trains six days a week and deserves his latest title but he has to maintain his standards in the Australian squad.

"We are delighted he is the first in the club to gain selection to the Olympic program, with another member, Amir Ramandi also in the frame."

Michael, who lives at St Ives and is a JSS finalist for the North Shore Times, is gearing up for the World Championship selections on February 3 where he will be up against the 2012 Olympian Safwan Khalil and the Olympic coach Ali Khalil.

"I have been working hard with Michael for one of the biggest events of his career so far and we are confident of winning a medal, if not winning the competition despite the presence of top competitors," Ms Carn said.