Jamaica’s Conrad Jenkins created history recently when he was appointed by the Commonwealth Taekwondo Union as a member of the Commonwealth Taekwondo Referee Committee.

Jenkins is the first Jamaican to be so appointed and hopes to use this opportunity to establish Jamaica’s credentials in the sport at the Commonwealth level.

As president of the Jamaica Taekwondo Federation, Jenkins is committed to opening doors for others who may wish to follow and transcend.

His pioneering success in being selected to officiate at this summer’s Rio Olympic Games was not coincidental, but the result of diligent work, a solid focus and a will to achieve.

“I am never daunted by a challenge, but I am always grateful if I am given the opportunity to succeed and, by do doing, create a path for others to follow and do better,” said Jenkins.

He conquered Rio by becoming the first Jamaican to officiate in the sport of tae kwon do at an Olympic Games and now he has achieved a similar feat at the Commonwealth level. Jenkins attributes his achievements mainly to a love for a sport “I honour and respect”.

Christopher Samuda, secretary general of the Jamaica Olympic Association, in congratulating Jenkins, said: “Conrad is a trailblazer and patriot who has served and continues to serve the sport of tae kwon do and his country well.”

Jenkins will shortly be leaving the island for Russia, where the final preparation session for the Rio Olympic Games will be held.