UAE Princess Al Mak Toum started her training at the University of Kyung Hae in South Korea in preparation for the upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics.She held a press conference at the Lotte Hotel to give a progress report on her training for the Olympic Games.Through her press conference, she told the press that she has been training in martial arts since age 12.
She is also a black belt in Karate.Princess Al Mak Toum first competed at the 2006 Asian Games.
With the Olympics right around the corner, she said "Taekwondo requires heavy concentration and experience" and added "I am very excited to have an opportunity to be competing at the Olympics. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a kid to represent my country (UAE) at the Olympic Games."She also said "UAE is still Karate dominated nation.
Not too many people are interested in Taekwondo" and told the press she is currently training in both Karate and Taekwondo back home. She is currently concentrating on Taekwondo to prepare for the Olympic Games.
When asked about the 'wildcard controversy' where people were saying she only got a wildcard spot because of her position as a Princess, she replied by saying "I'm not involved in politics. I just train hard." "The decision was made by the IOC committee. Besides myself, 3 others were selected and they are our top athletes in our nation."
