By Luke Voogt
Norlane’s Lindy Joy Crouch will be the first Australian with Down syndrome to compete at a world taekwondo tournament next week.
“I want to do well and have Geelong be proud of me,” the avid Cats supporter and Tom Hawkins fan told the Indy
“I want other people with disabilities to be able to enjoy taekwondo. I can do it – that’s my line!”
Lindy flies to Argentina today to compete in the ITF World Championship after just 18 months learning the martial art.
“I am a superstar and I love that my family is proud of me,” she said.
She has already gold in a state tournament and was happy but nervous to compete in Argentina.
“I am hoping to win a medal or trophy, but there will be lots people trying to win them,” she said.
But while Lindy goes hard in the ring, she loves the mateship of the sport.
“I like to be nice to everyone, I like it when people get on well with other and there is no fighting,” she said.
Lindy survived heart surgery as a baby before the Crouch family adopted her.
“It’s the first time I’ve taken her on such an adventure,” said proud mother Jayne.
“We think Lindy will be a great ambassador for people with disabilities and Geelong.”
A bubbly, outgoing and happy soul, Lindy had eaten healthy and attended both the gym and taekwondo twice a week in preparation, Jayne said.
“She’s really quite determined and stubborn. I think she’s done quite amazing but I’m her mother, not a world judge.”
