TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwanese taekwondo athlete Lo Chia-ling (羅嘉翎) has decided to undergo surgery in mid-January, as reported on Tuesday (Jan. 7). Lo, who has been battling a foot injury for more than 18 months, hopes to enhance her performance post-surgery. Coach Liu Tsung-ta (劉聰達) has decided to forgo this week's World Taekwondo Championships selection due to Lo's injury concerns. Instead, they will participate in next week's FISU World University Games selection.
Lo, who clinched a bronze medal in the women's 57 kg category at the Tokyo Olympics, secured silver medals at the 2022 and 2023 World Taekwondo Championships. Still, a stress fracture in her left foot has hampered her performance. Lo has spent five months recovering after losing her first match at the Paris Olympics and has yet to appear in international competitions. Coach Liu revealed that Lo has pursued conservative treatment over the past year, but her injury remains unpredictable, causing swelling with increased training intensity.
Recent examinations showed calcification in the ligaments on both sides of Lo's foot, prompting doctors to recommend surgery. Following a meeting last week, the medical team agreed with this suggestion. Lo expressed her resolve regarding the surgery, stating her determination about the decision to undergo surgery and looking forward to having more room for better performance post-operation.