Elva Adams has been practicing Taekwondo for nearly 40 years, earning a 7th-degree black belt and an Olympic bronze medal along the way. From discovering the sport in middle school to competing at the highest level, she has embraced every challenge and continues to push her limits.

Now preparing for the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei, Elva is excited to compete, connect with fellow Taekwondo masters, and experience the culture of Taiwan.

We caught up with Elva to discuss her sporting journey, her passion for Taekwondo, and why she believes it’s never too late to set new goals in Masters sports.

Can you give us a little introduction about yourself?

My name is Elva Adams, and I’m thrilled to be competing in the upcoming World Masters Games (WMG) in Taipei. I will be participating in the Taekwondo – Individual and Pair Poomsae categories in the Under 60 division. Holding a 7th-degree black belt, I’ve been practicing Taekwondo since 1984, and my competitive journey began in 1986 when I competed in my first Asian Taekwondo Championships in Darwin, Australia.

I own a Taekwondo school in San Antonio, Texas, where I am passionate about teaching and sharing the spirit of Taekwondo with those eager to learn and grow in the sport.

In addition to my Taekwondo career, I work full-time as a Senior Small Business Administration (SBA) Risk Review Auditor at Williams Adley CPA and Consulting firm. 

Beyond my professional work, I am actively engaged in many community initiatives, and I am happily married to my husband Danny, and the proud mother of two wonderful children, Trivor and Sydney Adams.

What attracted you to Taekwondo initially and when did you realise you had a passion for it?

I began practicing Taekwondo in middle school when it was offered as an intramural sport. At the time, I saw martial arts as a practical way to learn self-defense and protect myself from bullying at school. After just one year of training, I discovered a newfound interest in competition.

I won my first national title as a yellow belt, a beginner level in Taekwondo, which fuelled my enthusiasm for the sport.

Over time, my passion for Taekwondo grew as I found the experience of competing exhilarating. There was nothing quite like the thrill of winning and being recognized as the best among other practitioners in my competition weight category.

You won a bronze medal at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul – what was that experience like?

Representing my birth country, Taiwan, at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea, was a truly historic moment in my life. I was just 17 years old, and the experience was unforgettable. Taekwondo, Korea’s national sport, was making its debut as a demonstration event at the Olympics, creating an incredible buzz and energy surrounding the competition.

At that time, Taekwondo needed to be showcased twice as a demonstration sport before being evaluated by the IOC for inclusion as an official Olympic sport. Following the second demonstration event in 1992, Taekwondo was officially accepted into the Olympic program.

In 1988, I had the honour of being the first competitor on opening day, which meant I couldn’t attend the opening ceremony. Despite falling just short of gold and earning a Bronze medal, it was a dream come true to compete at that level and call myself an Olympian. The experience remains one of the most significant achievements of my life.

What has been the key to sustaining your love of sport?

My Taekwondo journey has been a passage through different life stages, evolving with me over time. It has remained an integral part of my life due to my accomplishments and my passion for the sport, which I incorporate into my regular routine.

Life takes us through various phases, each with shifting priorities, yet Taekwondo has always resonated with me. No matter the stage, I’ve embraced the sport and found ways to sustain my practice.

During my early competition years, my focus was on sparring. It wasn’t until Poomsae (form performance) gained popularity that I transitioned into Poomsae competitions. Winning has always been a significant motivator for me, driving my commitment to the sport. Beyond the thrill of competition, Taekwondo also helps me stay fit, providing valuable health benefits along the way.

How has Taekwondo shaped your life?

While I’ve shared the winning and health benefits that keep me practicing Taekwondo, the true transformative power of the art lies in the lessons it teaches through its five tenets: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.

These principles have profoundly shaped my life. I carry them with me and strive to implement them in my daily routines—at home, in school, at work, and in my relationships.

They serve as the foundation upon which I’ve built my character and values, and I hope to inspire and influence those around me through these guiding principles.

Beyond the Olympic medal, are there any other career highlights that stand out to you?

I have been competing in Taekwondo since I was 13, participating in local tournaments, Nationals, Regionals, and World Championships. Winning Gold at last year’s World Poomsae Championship was truly a dream come true!

Not only did I check off a major item on my bucket list, but I also became the first Taekwondo practitioner to achieve victories in both disciplines—Sparring and Poomsae – at the highest level, the World Championships.

Adding to that, I am also an Olympic medalist and had the honor of being the first female USA referee appointed to officiate at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

One of my favourite aspects of this journey has always been connecting with people who share the same passion for Taekwondo. Those moments of camaraderie and shared dedication mean the world to me.

How important is playing sport, to your health and mental wellbeing?

Participating in a sport you love turns into a lifelong passion. It drives you to stay in shape and set meaningful goals to achieve. Life without goals can feel stagnant, which is why, at 56, I’m still competing. It motivates me to eat healthily, stay fit, and keep pushing myself.

Throughout my competitive career, I’ve learned the value of resilience and mental toughness. Even when faced with injuries, I’ve always found ways to recover and remain involved in the sport. There have been moments when I’ve thought about quitting, especially after losing a match, but I’ve set my standards high. When I hit a low point, the only option I see is to get back up and keep going.

I don’t need to stress the benefits of playing sports—there’s plenty of research and statistics on that. What truly matters is having the discipline to stick with it, whether competitively or recreationally. For me, Taekwondo isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life.

What is your advice to anyone considering pursuing masters sport?

For anyone considering pursuing a master’s sport, my advice is simple: take the leap!

Don’t be afraid to start, even if you’re not sure where it will take you. Focus on your personal progress and enjoy the journey. Embrace the challenges, as they will help you grow stronger both physically and mentally.

Most importantly, remember that competing in master sports is about more than just winning—it’s about the joy of being active, setting new goals, and connecting with others who share your passion around the world. These connections create memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

You are competing at the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei, what are you most looking forward to?

I’m excited to compete and exchange experiences with Taekwondo masters from around the world. I’m also looking forward to spending time with my family and friends.

The food, culture, shopping, and sightseeing are all things I can’t wait to experience. I know Taiwan will host a spectacular event, and I’m eager to be a part of it!

Sign up for the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei & New Taipei City here.