A Assadian was the first Canadian to medal at the Pan American Games in taekowndo’s poomsae disciple. He says felt a lot of pressure to perform.

“I didn’t do anything special or different today. I went about my preparation and performed the same as I always do. I’m just really happy I was able to perform,” said Assadian.

He earned Team Canada’s second medal on the first day of competition at the third largest international multi-sport Games where poomsae taekwondo is making its Pan American Games debut.

The 19-year-old shared the bronze medal step with Mexico’s Marco Arroyo. American Alex Lee won gold. Peru’s Hugo Del Castillo thrilled the hometown crowd with capturing the silver medal.

Calgary’s Valerie Ho was the lone Canadian the women’s individual poomsae competition. Ho finished in sixth place.

Mexico’s Paula Fregosa won the women’s gold medal. Peru’s Marcela Castillo was second at 7 while Karyn Real of the United States shared the bronze medal step on the podium with Ecuador’s Claudia Cardenas.

Canada’s Yvette Yong and Miguel Diaz both dropped their opening matches at the 2019 Pan American Games.