08.28.2004:Taekwando Silver Medal Women to Nia Abdallah

from yahoonews :

Fri Aug 27, 2:01 PM ET
Nia Abdallah of the U.S. waves after winning the silver medal in the under 57kg taekwondo at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games (news - web sites) August 27, 2004. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Fri Aug 27, 2:16 PM ET
Nia Abdallah, left, from the USA, competes against Ji Won Jang from Korea in the gold medal match for women under 57kg at taekwondo, Friday, Aug. 27, 2004, at the 2004 Olympic Games (news - web sites) in Athens, Greece. Jang won the gold, Abdallah the silver. (AP Photo/Al Behrman) from Lori: Nia was trained by Kevin Padilla , who owns a Martal Arts School in Hoboken, at which I trained. from the Hudson Reporter article linked above: Abdallah went on to earn a bronze medal at the Pan-American Games and credited Padilla in helping her earn the medal. "After practices, she came up to me and asked me for ideas," Padilla said. "Most athletes have their own thing and own agenda, but Nia was looking for information, help. I liked that as well. She just kicked harder and worked harder than anyone else." Padilla also liked Abdallah's approach to the sport. "She's very much into the Gospel and her faith," Padilla said. "She's into prayer when we talk and she loves that we can relate together on that level."