tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17235318515638900122024-03-05T23:33:22.913-08:00The We Support Nia BlogWelcome to the official blog of the We Support Nia Abdallah Campaign. This blog is geared towards showing that 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist Nia Abdallah was robbed of her 2008 Olympic dream by the USOC in a fight against Diana Lopez.Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-36873011565578074162008-09-10T07:06:00.000-07:002008-09-10T07:10:09.152-07:00President of National School of Martial Arts Supports Nia Abdallah<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJZCnrSoEQn9hcTGp-rRvdCHXo9kWLZNj0IFdVoejMGFnVdPoadLPelYxWrXs4zC-J5FPwmUsodwjrVbAWJn__MtFidqSLYEhc075ygmniiuV9uzeiL57YLvQCJ2ZeTylQJlsY3regAYT/s400/MasterJoe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244394662600457954" /><br />"I watched the video several times and i must say yes you won without a doubt. Also after watching the Olympics I have to wonder exactly what the rules really are... and yes, i do believe you would have been the better choice to bring gold back to the USA."<br /><br />Joe Giampietro, President NSMA<br /><a href="http://www.nsmataekwondo.com" target="_blank">www.nsmataekwondo.com</a><br /><br />Mr. Giampietro is a 40 year veteran of the martial arts and has been a very successful competitor and demonstrator as well as one of the most respected Master Instructors in this country. His ability to relay complicated techniques to his students is a key factor in their ability to excel in Local, National and International Competitions. He has trained and taught in the USA and Asia. He is one of only a few US instructors to operate Martial Arts Schools in Okinawa Japan. He is also the Texas State Director for the United States National Taekwondo Federation. Master Joe was awarded "USNTF Instructor of the Year 2001" by Grand Master Duk Gun Kwon, President of the United States National Taekwondo Federation. " I am a true believer in the Magic of Motivation" Grand Master Joe GiampietroNia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-26307375956335237912008-09-10T07:01:00.000-07:002008-09-10T07:04:52.710-07:00How to Handle Disappointment by Nia Abdallah<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9K1-SMjcnUt2gwqlKsWPnkyGgfqbZa4nfWfuZagqBzFnbD5UZcjom_4FBVIEzAxlqchj4JfTPMANEIxPNIdG_CEf5YSrPk5088QFIVedkhrFaG6MuCr7xmAUUmpTZtv2mchjdOd5nJSuj/s400/IMG_0214.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244393162594422130" /><br />You shouldn’t ever let yourself ever get disappointed in life. The direct meaning of disappointed is thwarted in hope or desire. There is only one person in the world that can take away your HOPE or DESIRE and that is yourself. Life is all about how you look at it. Like the old saying says, “ Do you look at the glass as half full or half empty?”. Just because your hope or desire does not come true at the moment you want it to, does not mean I will never happen, unless make it not happen in your mind. Disappointments in life, if you want to call it that, are just struggles that you must go through in order for you to become a better person. <br /><br />In Chinese the symbol for struggle is the same as the symbol for opportunity. I find that interesting and enlightening. If you really think about it, in every struggle that you have ever been in you have came out of it with a new outlook in life. You came out of a better person. Struggle or disappointments are there to MAKE you find an opportunity that you would not look for if everything was okay. Everything happens for a reason in life. I look at everything as a learning experience. In fact everyday can be a learning experience. <br /><br />All you have to do is open your mind to it. When things do not go your way just make yourself say “What can I do better next time so it will not happen again?”. Even if things do go your way say “What more can I do to make it even better then now?”. Life is all about what you feed your mind. Positive attitudes can only bring you positive outcomes. The oldest book in the world (The Bible) says in Matthew 17: 20 that if you tell the mountain to go into the sea and you believe with all your heart, it will come true. The key to that is that you must believe with all of your heart. That’s how I try to live in the best and worst moments of my life.<br /><br />Nia Nicole Abdallah<br />“love your life, so you can live your life”Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-691863260450062052008-08-29T08:18:00.000-07:002008-08-29T08:21:04.797-07:00THANK YOU FROM THE PARENTS OF NIA ABDALLAHGreetings All,<br /><br />The Olympics are over and The USA Taekwondo Team are back on American soil which means the fight is not over. This letter is not about the Lopez’s but a Thank You letter to all of you who have supported Nia and our family in time of need. The old saying that says evil will triumph when good people stand and do nothing is so true and thank God all of you are righteous people because you showed us how much you cared, by doing something to correct a wrong. Rhonda and I can not thank each and every one of you enough. We ask that you continue to pray for us as we will do the same for you all. So just remember a lie is always hidden in dark places and will not stand forever but the truth is the light and it is eternal.<br /><br /><br /><br />Thank you,<br />Thomas and Rhonda Duhart<br />Nia Abdallah Parents<br /><a href="http://wesupportnia.blogspot.com" target="_blank">wesupportnia.blogspot.com</a>Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-43039998535017835882008-08-29T08:12:00.000-07:002008-08-29T08:13:51.092-07:00A Letter of Support for Nia AbdallahHello Nia,<br /> <br /> I recently came across your blog, I watched the video of your sparring match with Diana Lopez. I have been in Taekwondo for 18 years, Im 3rd Dan and I have been a certified judge and referee. From my point of view and the cameras point of view, more than anything all of your kicks on her head gear DID NOT count. Which was unbelieveable. <br /> <br /> I proud of how you are supporting Taekwondo the "right way". What happened to the tradition of Taekwondo? The honor and respect. I know what is RIGHT is not if you WIN or LOSE but to what is fair. I also want to change the way the world sees Taekwondo.<br /> <br /> Keep on aiming high. <br /> <br />Sincerely,<br /> <br />In Christ,<br />~Janice CourtneyNia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-61893464651818694732008-08-22T23:38:00.000-07:002008-08-23T00:02:53.301-07:00Lopez takes fight to taekwondo federation? What?! PLEASE COMMENT!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237602133735893394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrUouTE031J58DI1sXGL_PzciACI3yruY35QwOUPB_MkFAEbp4CtgDu5eOjJip1c0YBC4bpXgSjfczL7PuOWtlqkgxHJptFh9J0DG-pEZ5ZhNnKaD_CPvKLbqYWyjno_RYf4KyF1eSUHv/s400/steven.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong><em>(Editors Note: Now it has been a rarity that we would give ample space for an article featuring the Lopez family but we felt this recent article presented a special occasion. Our team of bloggers will be addressing this article real soon but for now we highlighted some interesting quotes. PLEASE READ IT AND LEAVE US YOUR THOUGHTS NOW! Remember the old saying, what goes around.....)</em></strong><br /></span><br /><strong>Lopez takes fight to taekwondo federation</strong><br />By Charles Robinson, Yahoo! Sports<br />Posted August 22, 2008<br /><br />BEIJING – With taekwondo already rumored to be on the brink of Olympic elimination, the sport was doing everything it could to avoid even the slightest shock of controversy.<br /><br />On Friday, it was struck by lightning.<br /><br />In a chaotic episode that might ultimately prove to be the tipping point to Olympic doom, American two-time defending gold medalist Steven Lopez was eliminated from gold-medal contention on a controversial referee’s decision. Lopez would go on to win bronze in the 80-kilogram weight class, but not until after his team leader, Herb Perez, had filed a protest and then ripped the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) for intimidation and gross mismanagement of the sport’s rules and oversight.<br /><br /><strong>“When (poor judging) happens to you, you’re told to shut up and not say anything because of what will happen to you, or what will happen to the sport,” Perez said. “If this is truly what taekwondo is about, maybe taekwondo shouldn’t be in the Olympics. Maybe they should fix it.”</strong><br /><br />Perez was furious after a string of events that began when Lopez – who hadn’t lost a match since 2002 – was docked one point in his quarterfinal match against Mauro Sarmiento. A referee determined Lopez had used a “cut kick,” which is essentially kicking away an opponent’s blow below the waist. Perez maintained that Lopez had merely raised his left leg in defense on the foul, and Sarmiento had kicked into Lopez’s leg in an attempt to draw a point deduction.<br /><br />Lopez’s lost point cut his 2-1 lead into a 1-1 tie in the third and final period of the match. He eventually lost in sudden-death overtime.<br /><br />What came next had the WTF scrambling on the defensive as Perez came out with some serious allegations. First, he said the protest wasn’t properly handled – that the Olympic Competition Supervisory Board didn’t respond for 45 minutes, well outside of the allotted 15 minutes typically allowed. Second, Perez said they were given little explanation as to why their protest had been deemed “unacceptable.”<br /><br />“Unacceptable could mean anything from we didn’t file the papers properly to we didn’t use the right color pencil,” Perez said. “… Under the WTF competition rules, we should have been notified about the decision, the criteria, the methodology used, what evidence was presented,and what referees were reviewing it. We were not.”<br /><br /><strong>But that wasn’t even the bombshell. Perez said that, in a June taekwondo conference, the heads of the 25 teams which attended were asked to sign an agreement not to file any protests at these Olympic Games in hopes of avoiding a controversy that could further put the sport’s Olympic future in jeopardy.</strong><br /><br />“We were manhandled,” Perez said. “We were threatened not to protest at this event. I think that needs to be said. We were made to sign a document not to protest for the betterment of taekwondo. It was a very big thing. There was a table, you went up to the table, (and) you signed the document. You signed it in front of the secretary general (of the WTF) and you gave him the document.”<br /><br />Perez said he was approached again by WTF officials on Friday after his protest was denied. This time, Perez said, they were asking him not to speak to the press.<br /><br />“I was asked to compromise (again) five minutes ago,” he said. “They said, ‘Don’t tell anyone.’ The head of the WTF came to me and said, ‘Don’t speak to the press.’ The secretary general said, ‘Don’t do this.’ (Secretary General Jin Suk) Yang and (WTF president Chungwon) Choue said, ‘Herbert, don’t do this. Think about the future.’ ”<br /><br />The WTF’s director of public relations, Seok-Jae Kang, vehemently denied coaches had signed a “no protest” pact, calling the claim “nonsense.”<br />“It is not an agreement. I would call it a resolution,” Kang said. “A resolution on fair play. … It was ‘Do your best to ensure fair play and judging.’ Appealing is up to them. It’s their right and their rule. They can appeal.<br /><br />“Ask him the right wordings (on what he signed).”<br /><br />Kang said officials from the WTF were not prepared to respond on Friday night, but pointed to a June release on the body’s Web site, which touted “Participants in WTF Olympic Coach Seminar Adopt Resolution on Fair Play.” The release lists some lines from a document signed by coaches at the event, including an agreement that signees would “respect and accept the judgment and decisions of the refereeing and technical officials in all taekwondo competitions.”<br /><br />Clearly, Perez believed that to mean that coaches were being leaned upon not to protest at the Olympics. But Kang said that interpretation was “a matter of opinion.” Another coach, Iran’s Kiarash Bahri, didn’t attend the June meeting, but he said he was never told explicitly not to protest.<br /><br />“The WTF wanted everybody to have more self-control, and if they want to make a protest, take the correct procedure actually, not to jump up and down and make a ruckus, raise a lot of noise,” Bahri said. “Take the correct procedure to go about it, file the complaint and then they’ll decide. But it wasn’t like, ‘Don’t make a protest.’ ”<br /><br />The ugliness marred an otherwise positive story for taekwondo, which had seen a generous amount of coverage as Lopez and his two siblings, Mark and Diana, had captured medals in their respective weight classes.Diana Lopez took bronze in the 57-kilogram weight class.<br /><br /><strong>“(WTF officials) don’t think about the repercussions until after they make a mistake,” Steven Lopez said. “<span style="color:#ff0000;">They know the power we have as a family and bringing limelight to our sport</span>. By no means do I want to bring this sport down. I love this sport. <span style="color:#ff0000;">But sometimes in any sport there are judges, there are politics involved</span>. Unfortunately, there’s not supposed to be that in any of the sports, but you see it all the time. Whether it be gymnastics, boxing, it happens.</strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">“There are bad calls all the time. This is one of the times that it happened to me. It normally doesn’t, but it happened. It sucks.”</span></strong><br /><br />Article reposted from <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/taekwondo/news?slug=cr-lopez082208&prov=yhoo&type=lgns">http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/taekwondo/news?slug=cr-lopez082208&prov=yhoo&type=lgns" target"=_blank">http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/taekwondo/news?slug=cr-lopez082208&prov=yhoo&type=lgns</a>Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com261tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-40127254465689028072008-08-22T23:34:00.000-07:002008-08-22T23:38:06.289-07:00Over 90% of voters in online poll say Nia Abdallah beat Diana Lopez!Thank you to everyone who took part in the online poll that was developed on this blog. The results showed that after watching the full Olympic Trial match fight between Nia Abdallah and Diana Lopez, over 90 percent voted Nia the winner!<br /><br />All we want to know is, what fight were those mere 34 "No's" looking at!Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-12774971769716494952008-08-20T11:46:00.000-07:002008-08-20T11:57:08.987-07:00The Parents Corner<span style="font-size:130%;">Today, August 20 at 10PM CST, Diana Lopez will be unjustly representing the United States in Beijing in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Taekwondo</span> Olympic Competition. If you were the parents of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nia</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Abdallah</span>, how would you feel at this very moment <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">knowing</span> that your daughter is the best and most qualified fighter and should be there right now but was robbed? Well, they lean on their spiritual <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">foundation</span> and have encouraged their highly spiritual daughter to keep her trust in God.<br /><br />They encourage all Blog readers to go and read the following and fitting passages in the Bible.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Proverbs 16:18 and Psalms 37</strong><br /></span><br /><em>Want to send the family an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">encouraging</span> word? Email them at: wesupportnia@gmail.com.</em></span>Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-82422065634577884432008-08-20T11:37:00.000-07:002008-08-20T11:45:30.779-07:00Support from the US Virgin Islands! Read Comment!People from all over the world are speaking out against the injustice faced by Nia Abdallah. Read this letter that was sent to her from the U.S. Virgin Islands:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">"Oss! Nia please let me congratulate you for a job well done. I had a chance to watch the kumite and without a doubt victory is yours. My Name is Master Roy J.Faulkner I am a martial artist as well, I am the founder and chief instructor of Faulkner's Unified Jujitsu School of Martial Arts here in the U.S. Virgin Islands. My school and I express a Big Oss! to you. May you continue to be victorious in all your endeavors, and may God's richest blessing continue to be with you. "</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Best regards,<br />Master Roy J. Faulkner<br />St.Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands</span> <h1></h1>Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-12700024299528709072008-08-20T07:28:00.000-07:002008-08-20T08:03:33.540-07:00Would Diana Lopez appear on Sports Radio 610 with Nia Abdallah?A huge queastion was posed by the hosts of the Sports Radio 610am Sunday Block Party, Bobby Z. and Lesbian Craig on August 17. They have sent out an open invitation to Diana Lopez and her family to appear on their show along with Nia Abdallah and her family to have a dialogue about the injustice that Nia feels she faced. The question is would they be willing to do it?<br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tOr6qlO974Ezn7ZaffwAPKIkFNfOxGxmijmscJgWyCgDW9EM0q9pkuLP2mBgvd0SU8fpewteU1mcpBEqCAO0QlDVuboj9wEUq-BsS21Iln3TKjT5_kIMyHu1cnMk1yGd5wrf5ZkMiHPr/s400/sportsradio1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236614701801201778" /><br /><br />"We are going to make some calls and reach out because after watching this video of Nia vs Diana, I think we need to hear from the Lopez family", said Lesbian Craig. "As show host we are suppose to be non-biased in our interviews but after the watching this fight, its hard not to be. Nia is scoring points left and right."<br /><br />"What happen to Nia is not what the Olympics is suppose to be about", said Bobby Z.<br /><br />Nia Abdallah commented that "if you can get Diana on the show I would come back. But these question is would she be willing to come."<br /><br />The hot hour long interview drew several callers who were in support of Nia Abdallah as the winner and wanted to see more action taken. The co-hosts watched the fight during the show as well with "play-by-play" jokingly commentary as Nia landed kick after kick to Diana's head and body. <br /><br />"I honestly don't know the point system but I do see Nia going upside her head and no points being scored", added Bobby Z.<br /><br />The co-hosts then asked Nia to describe how it felt to win a silver medal in 2004. "Honestly I was really upset that I did not win the gold medal so I was crying. Looking back I wish I had not been so upset so I could have enjoyed the moment. Because I know others saw it as a great feat, and it was, but I didn't fully take it in because I wanted to win the gold. It does feel good to know that I will always be an Olympian forever."<br /><br />Her step father, Thomas Duhart Jr. said "It was emotional for Nia in 2004 because she had the U.S. flag with her that belongedto her grandfather, who she has promised she would win the Olympics. So she was thinking about him. But we were so proud of her and that was an unbelieveable feeling to see her get that medal."<br /><br />"We are so proud of Nia", said her mother Rhonda Duhart. "she worked so hard, even after having a baby, to prepare herself to win in Beijing. She is a wonderful daughter."<br /><br /><strong>DO YOU THINK DIANA LOPEZ SHOULD APPEAR ON THE SPORTS RADIO 610AM SHOW ONCE SHE RETURNS FROM BEIJING? Leave a comment here or email Lesbian Craig at lesbiancraig@yahoo.com</strong><br /><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiao8Beds_YC4Sl5NNFT8cxU3vTH6wkpFul3AYIz8XLuVis2CjisZ2q8zm_moV2J0XYfA8WZKrd6IQabs4F6n2kthQ3YP38W311HzIDstJJvbBQLRcYPWM6yXgfv9bUzR15yKI5oAJC3dGb/s400/sportsradio5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236615238739428962" /><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqsOMz52A3ahrD3LkU-ov1YVWNsyPTTzBbAmcwz1IUi8nr2Mw7yAyTPKNYEr11yoFrpLlLLp9C665HbBYFPmtM8MtFyvrpWXUl0T4Hyt9R_UrI73akyBiV9QHA818EC2ZYwiXfEZrCgim/s400/sportsradio4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236615165538093538" /><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1zrGZHRwq02ybwKwXYVimEKKNj7uXUgkWClbCCxPswjfg2pL8Aw1B_yfCAS1N-L-Czn2pon6CFyuzBjTG_uBbFUv_5jfIgQukOHWdr3xNteQYHxV5ie0tBkfzTNhwr2GNNLOUqW_16xa/s400/sportsradio2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236615018523550946" /><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBnbN9aiJ_pA9CpgtQYGRXm19pp4DF9Z9r5ZK6_PoXkD0i7eD15LVzX-Neffx0BFeZGQ5PdTcML3TLi2rkY_Jq_iJXY7rv6ml1oKXyiBQ-6qrcd3hv4PqwhXlIzJzh06oCBEFka_9l6LD/s400/sportsradio3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236614837420319314" />Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-34217431483825447062008-08-17T17:40:00.000-07:002008-08-17T17:55:12.541-07:00LISTEN TO NIA ABDALLAH ON THE SPORTS BLOCK PARTY RADIO SHOW TONIGHT!!!!<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9O56Z-dPt06ZJeB4vDPfK0Ts45EXTjBTropCorWbuJyIDoI3a7ywnHCCQtZDWWKecu-QC-6_jN8yaxlKecwEqSv_bOuDRow1fETs2bCkapdvATjV8EeH2iNM_Y7m56yL7IDGYOy5h1bPt/s400/925007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235651724304847042" /><br /><br />LISTEN LIVE NOW AS NIA ABDALLAH AND HER STEP FATHER THOMAS DUHART JR. MAKES A GUEST APPEARANCE ON THE SPORTS BLOCK PARTY RADIO SHOW AT 8:00PMCST. THE STATION IS 610AM IN THE HOUSTON AREA AND LISTEN LIVE ONLINE AT <A HREF="http://www.sportsradio610.com" TARGET="_BLANK">WWW.SPORTSRADIO610.COM</A><br /><br />ABOUT THE SHOW: Sundays 6PM – 9PM You like sports?!? We’ve got your sports on the Sunday Block Party with Bobby Z. and Lesbian Craig. We know you’ve got a lot to say, so give’em a call or shoot’em an email because that’s what we’re waiting for on the Sunday Block Party. Listen for Dr. Football.com, Jimmy Neal each week in the 7 o'clock hour right here on the Sunday Block Party.Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-25186927592002779172008-08-16T20:51:00.000-07:002008-08-16T21:19:12.296-07:00NIA ABDALLAH INTERVIEW ON WPFW-DC 89.3FM PACIFICA! LISTEN!<img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xlaCioe9nujiHE-71R_CWtR61XqiqprQIGSd8uDS0xPk6SNOImw3m6ashZG9T0Suzg87ZplwyFtc_KLMUOf5QBp_jukiNkMGlJzQh12U4e-wx3fXWhHwBU9OCiyBB1egvjVFhhSrgygA/s400/banner.jpg" border="2" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235329587511961298" /><br><br /><br /><strong>Nia Abdallah went one-on-one with WPFW-DC 89.3 FM Pacifica Radio to discuss the We Support Nia campaign. She was interviewed by News Director Askia Muhammad based in Washington, D.C. The interview aired live on August 8, 2008. Click below to hear the interview now</strong>!<br><br /><!-- AudioAcrobat.com Player code BEGIN --><br /><div class="aaplayer"><iframe src="http://www.audioacrobat.com/playweb?audioid=Pfd15e4f23e8aa1198fc03c32c364a124ZVp9QXluY2N1Wg&buffer=5&shape=3&fc=FFCC00&pc=AAAAFF&kc=888800&bc=FFFFFF&brand=1&player=ap03" height="20" width="164" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div> <br /><!-- AudioAcrobat.com Player code END --><br /><em><strong>About</strong></em><br /><strong>The purpose of WPFW-FM Pacifica is to provide outlets for the creative skills and energies of the community, to contribute to a lasting understanding between individuals of all nations, races, creeds and colors, and to promote the full distribution of public information. Programming on WPFW will principally be a mix of jazz, Third World music, news and public affairs. For more information visit</strong>:<a href="http://www.wpfw.org" target="_blank">www.wpfw.org</a>Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-13949417497122485812008-08-15T14:16:00.000-07:002008-08-16T20:11:35.480-07:00Nia Adallah To Appear on International Million Woman Movement Radio Show<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6okqErrfe98n2mIjMQ09uj_hELBEQjcs0elYUanPFLUObW3OoKmML_MJmFLdvpFUGmtTy2RiygLIXoVpLio6skwH6592vNfxIaec_exTVRr98uK_sUvVekESc5FhqX-B93yHi5t53N9h0/s400/images.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234858575595493714" /><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kadvnFmbQxs7Ee9CWTyti24_fyty6lx5iZLMzlk-buKIXDf5Ptaoe3OoSU_Viy_MuziF5_2iX_H1KIz7V-zb4fvm40bfG4Cgh1iAgCLmfbD91Gf2m9OxTsjlQzLZmxPfXh2LI5yKaa96/s400/09d01edf-cb53-414f-89c0-99db726b3ddamaat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234858443176974546" /><br />Nia Abdallah has been invited to be a special guest on International Million Woman Movement Blog Radio Show "NU Day Resurrection and Liberation" hosted by Empress Chi. The interview will air on Saturday, August 16 at 10:00pm CST (11:00pm EST). Nia will also be joined by Deric Muhammad of the Millions More Movement Ministry of Justice. To listen live log on to <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empresschi" target="_blank"> www.blogtalkradio.com/empresschi</a> or via your telephone 1-646-652-2232<br><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">About the Host:<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>Empress Chi is the visionary,architect, and sole founder of the historic 1997 Million Woman March and President General of the MWM Universal Movements. The historic 1997 Million Woman March is the largest gathering in the world of any women anywhere and now it is rising up as more than an organization but a nation building pro-active force.Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-76843051900193791892008-08-13T09:30:00.000-07:002008-08-13T10:01:14.461-07:00Preparing Your Mind For Competition by Nia Abdallah<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wH9UBssNU0Io1M8e3GQD_I890A-e6fiRBvuOoR6KD5KRZ7mnpk_8psmXEIM_h_rYiknnhzUrd4xUa_8KyfiSLqcLGlZjVqoQE2h6yiWMW1Wu_cS_ce02RZeePbqhR5vbfHoYwxQ3zYOC/s400/champion2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234043355688553554" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYqH56QM53OhZVKVbVVGh0MqvMqF5BVowQ862ESvdut5XpFur4PMqe1pxrYcGeR54Z9hZAr55QqncElTBBSuXAlNjGeuyzM_POZT_8td3TltGJUEhNIyUQannh9KJjjskMIM5gB19nmeT/s400/champion1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234045437325603762" />Preparing Your Mind For Competition</span><br />Written by Nia Abdallah<br /><br />Everything starts in practice. You must always focus on doing your best every time you go to work on your craft. Why? The lack of preparation before competition is what creates doubt in the heat of competition. I have always lived by the motto that "If what you did yesterday still looks good today, you haven’t done much today." This keeps me motivated to do a little bit more everyday in and out of practice.<br /><br />Let’s go deeper. Living a positive lifestyle is critical because what you do outside of practice effects what you do in. After you have been doing that consistently, you must find something to comfort you when you are preparing yourself for the challenge ahead. My comforting tool is music. I listen to positive and motivating songs the day before and the day of competition. The night before a competition I make time to sit quietly alone to visualize the victory. I mentally paint a picture of me executing the kicks and movements that are necessary to secure the victory. I visualize getting the medal and doing interviews. I can see myself doing everything that comes with being the winner of the competition. I don’t allow any pictures of doubt to enter into my mind. I believe in claiming a victory before it happens as long as I am ready to do all the work to get to the victory. There are two reasons for that.<br /><br />One is that your subconscious does not reason. It just hears the basics. For example, if you said “I don’t want to lose”, your subconscious mind hears the word ‘lose’. That’s why I’m cautious of speaking and thinking only with positive words. Secondly, is to put myself in the situation before I actually get there. A great coach always tells the quarterback or the point guard to see the play before it happens. They want them to see themselves scoring the winning touchdown and the winning shot with unwavering confidence.<br /><br />Have you ever notice that the first time you do just about anything it is the hardest? Well if I have already done it in my mind then when I actually get out there, it is not a problem because your subconscious does not know any better. Lastly, I remember that I got to this competition the same way as everybody else. Even if it is their ninth time at this competition and this is my first, they had to go through their first once before. All and all they are still humans so why fear or doubt yourself? When they look across that mat into your eyes, send them a message that they are in for the fight of their life.<br /><br />I truly learned all of this in my experiences, because I saw all the little girls in the same place I was just years before. That keeps me focus because just like I dethroned someone there is a little Nia somewhere else waiting to dethrone me if I don’t watch out. I never underestimate anyone. <br /><br />A closing tip is to always remember to have fun. That is what you got in the sport for in the first place, do not change that. When it becomes a job and you are not having fun then it will show in your competition.<br /><br />Focus. Love your life so you can live your life.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Nia Nicole Abdallah is the 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist in Taekwondo. She is the first U.S. woman in history to win a medal in the sport since it became an official Olympic sport. She can be reached at wesupportnia@gmail.com)</span>Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-29673407134439596052008-08-12T09:35:00.000-07:002008-08-12T10:05:46.681-07:00Why did NBC avoid showing the Taekwondo Olympic Trial match?<p>In an awesome one-on-one interview on August 8 with KCOH Sports News director Ralph Cooper, a serious question was posed by the step father of Nia Abdallah that has the listeners wondering.<br /> <br />"NBC has shown all of the Olympic Trial fights on national television except the fight between Nia and Diana Lopez. Have you ask yourself why?", posed Thomas Duhart Jr., Nia's step father. "If this was suppose to be such a historic win for Diana and her family, why hasn't been aired all over television? It because they know that Nia was the winner hands down. They know the truth and anyone who watches the fight knows that Diana Lopez did not win."<br /><p>Being that this interview was done on the day of the 2008 Opening Ceremonies in Beijing, Cooper asked Nia to go deeper into how she feels about being robbed and not being able to represent the U.S. although she won. "It has been really hard to grip. It's hard to get up these days going to grocery store when I know I should be in China right now training and preparing to win the gold medal. I had a headache all night last night but I'm fighting to expose this corruptness because things have to change. We need new management in Taekwondo. I won that fight and know that looking back I did everything in that match I planned on doing to ensure a victory."<br /><p>Nia further called on all listeners to "watch the fight for yourself, vote on the blog as to who you think won, write your congressperson because this not just about me. it's about making sure those that come behind me don't have to face this."<br /><p>Cooper ended the interview by declaring "after watching the fight myself, I know you won. Always remember that a champion always finds his or her way back to the top."<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGhjbaE-5jINVy5PpJUlgl6KiqyHzKZ7K9TLh-I7KV3TBOQkpVYcvjUUcnWDZ8C76czAe1wTIEDiRNq3rE4TbAt5y1i7_Zx9Ym8flw8bdtPS_X4O30fJTDlEEEzhWMfx3UY6_QmDUm0B3/s400/kcoh1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233671986356153202" border="1" /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXey1b5tgmcLK6aPoHbM6Ks-RH8JubAgm7wS9iAb6lukjzNmWpop_PbmIgrpd1WXNpw-PF5LICZTJ96Yj4Gau20iAI_b8GCh2I-SAsT1zSL-WwEGMUnCSW0AKv9jow_3sSOZI6HHxuMQdx/s400/kcoh3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233671778463713474" border="1" /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13J2Vs6vIOQMEhfQLyVqtUpAvv7vBb4NQRS2XJHRXy_RuKCWvjfVKcqKmEPQ9m5Cg9p_TPPoyxGx8IhM7Ia13tVsUfHxG9T1MDX-jJB35PcltTufYjKDwy3jiaCWZiZfT2-0Hjw-pggKZ/s400/kcoh4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233671324491016450" border="1" /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnw7hFtZYPLTY8e9abu5hq02rrqQpNA4bjwtf-yPVUePK6J3I3UmH1C-mucy4odfTZrIdkgUmgJIR3a8BckJsTruWsYql171cOF9dJiR8tDnSEih2ZylTFEhu-flpSh00EjQn2O7GciVB/s400/kcoh2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233672242865476514" border="1" />Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-5527107048198123882008-08-08T09:22:00.000-07:002008-08-08T09:39:14.821-07:00Nia Abdallah To Appear on KCOH Radio TODAY!!!<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjI7Lp6iNGnlGkgnCf-QN7Y6kfl2FcvgxH9jhr1klmVaJH2YbTSB9W3epsouWGFhEG9O5l3lBU5bbE5pBECL7Vh6cFYlvEJyeNr_T2jWUAupGX1Vt2a7kVxV8pYmetWv-Gmh6Yv4ySK9x/s400/kcoh+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232185762695839170" /><br><br /><br />Nia Abdallah will be a special guest on the Houston based KCOH 1430AM Sports Rap show hosted by Ralph Cooper. The live interview will air at 5:00pm CST. For those outside of the Houston area log on to <a href="http://www.kcohradio.com" target="_blank">www.kcohradio.com</a><br><br /><br /><p><strong>About the Host</strong>: Ralph Cooper's roots extend deep into the fabric of Houston. Grimes Elementary, Attucks Middle School, Worthing High School, Houston Community College and the University of Houston - Downtown, have made him a true product of Houston Area schools. Ralph became the Sports Director for KCOH Radio in 1984 after leaving a competing station here in Houston where he had held that same position from 1973-1984. Ralph Cooper can be heard Monday thru Friday at 8 AM with Sports Update, and on Sports Rap, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday's from 5 PM to 7 PM and Tuesday from 5 PM to 8 PM. </p>Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-84605637080381653542008-08-07T17:21:00.000-07:002008-08-07T18:10:54.438-07:00Photo Highlights of People's Politics Live Interview!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpOUK8m-XtyZ44PMsgOiakMROeCcMLwRsDSZyWICjjiGpxrub1O4V1-IhZKXGQr7nXitu1dNaAfwnFtwZzh5tcE0-ZQS17Fh-lyKGgbhSnfY2jrjdjmyfGqwEIX49nFFdxYUOvAzc_3E9/s1600-h/IMG_0454.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpOUK8m-XtyZ44PMsgOiakMROeCcMLwRsDSZyWICjjiGpxrub1O4V1-IhZKXGQr7nXitu1dNaAfwnFtwZzh5tcE0-ZQS17Fh-lyKGgbhSnfY2jrjdjmyfGqwEIX49nFFdxYUOvAzc_3E9/s320/IMG_0454.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231946750150328242" /></a><br />On, Monday August 4, Nia Abdallah and Attorney Warren Muhammad were studio guests on the show <em><strong>People's Politics </strong></em>which aired live on Channel 17 and is produced by Pyramid Global Media.<br> <br />The video of the full hot interview will be released soon. But you can watch excerpt from the interview at <a href="http://pyramidglobalmedia.org/www.pyramidmediaco.html" target="_blank">Nia Abdallah People's Politics Interview</a><br><br /><br /><p style="visibility:visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-68.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" height="262" width="350" style="width:350px;height:262px"><param name="movie" value="http://widget-68.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="l" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/> <param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=2594073385371761000&site=widget-68.slide.com"/></object>Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-16074971948083162282008-08-06T13:41:00.000-07:002008-08-06T14:01:14.750-07:00Dallas Morning News post Video on DallasNews.com!<img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nOKdTMaRfPmIhj0JS3fjnqrY7HN-cQZHWVGEhsZl0LbiKdqhheyt0gIOWNxbCfMC9spDfeVT8jwE-Wa12ky6odd2bYNXY6_WvZnazSp3Km6Gxmq5e-1WlNUWffoEfuykbBtvm7cRGMTt/s320/dmnews.gif" border="2" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231509624332738306" /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Breaking News!</span> The Dallas Morning News has released an article featuring Nia Abdallah and her fight against injustice in her Olympic Trial fight against Diana Lopez. The Dallas Morning News also posted the YouTube video of their Sudden Death round to allow viewers to comment on who they thought won!<br><br /><br />Read the full article at: <a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/080508dnspoolytaekwondo.439d58c.html" target="_blank">Nia Abdallah in Dallas Morning News</a><br><br /><br />See Sudden Death video posted at:<a href="http://olympicsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/08/taekwondo-controversy-lopezabd.html" target="_blank">Taekwondo controversy: Lopez-Abdallah Olympic qualifying video</a>Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-22547352754892472012008-08-05T07:42:00.000-07:002008-08-05T08:13:44.347-07:00Listen to Podcast! Portland and Vancouver hear from Nia Abdallah<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231044125070985490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8seoTbUnBCTsOI5ZL6bJ2sJpytGPs9HOJGe_oXW4SVSWnVMuEA_xsSZsLFGVG-CeVfd2wJQy-Z7Pl6G2C0Cxq5UMxcRt0IcU_zqhnsVjJIrO1kxuhg6b_sJKjy8F77oI_XSylK36lhko5/s320/460%253E_1138553.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />On August 4, 2008 the people of Portland,OR and Vancouver,WA heard live from Nia Abdallah as she went one-on-one with Opio Sokoni of <a href="http://www.poli-tainment.com/" target="_blank">Poli-tainment.com</a> and KMBS radio. The question was posed by Opio: Will there be justice for a 2004 Olympic Tae Kwon Do Silver Medalist? Ms. Abdallah may have been robbed by the 2008 United States Olympic Committee in her Des Moines, Iowa Olympic trial match against Diana Lopez. Nia talks to Opio about it...click below and listen to the podcast now.<br /><br /><a href="http://poli-tainment.podomatic.com/entry/2008-08-04T18_39_50-07_00" target="_blank"><h3>LISTEN!:Nia Abdallah Speaks To Right An Olympic Wrong</h3></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><h8><em>About Opio Sokoni</em><br />Opio Sokoni is a Howard University trained lawyer working as the General Manager of Portland, Oregonâs KBMS radio where he self produces a politics and Hip Hop radio show. Opio has previously worked for the Drug Policy Alliance, TransAfrica and Amnesty International. His multimedia interviews have included Congressional members and entertainment icons such as Harry Belafonte and Russell Simmons. His writings have appeared in the Boston Globe, The Black Commentator, the Washington Times, DaveyD.com and numerous popular websites. He has also appeared on C-SPAN and the O'Reilly Factor. An activist filmmaker, he has written, directed and produced two documentary films, and last year, premiered the first ever activist film, Turn Off Channel Zero which targets Viacom as a major source of negative media portrayals of African Americans. Opio is the author of an award-winning children's book (I Want to Be a Lawyer When I Grow Up) and an activist manual (Poli-Tainment: Making Struggle Sexy). Mr. Sokoni was the lead organizer and consultant for the Appeal for Redress campaign - a movement of active duty military members appealing to end the war in Iraq - it was a featured broadcast on 60 Minutes. He runs the news and culture website <a href="http://www.poli-tainment.com/" target="_blank">http://www.poli-tainment.com/</a>. Also visit <a href="http://www.myspace.com/turnoffchannelzero" target="_blank">www.myspace.com/turnoffchannelzero</a></h8>Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-1056340149781750372008-08-04T21:24:00.000-07:002008-08-04T21:41:55.950-07:00Nia Abdallah story featured on BlackAthlete.com<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzJieGfRa79LVxwZ1tuc7IptVlWcXXv4Zcs0gkoZiJqJyHOQ1LSnxbbhbawuosEMKTkh8za7SaW3Mk28xVGweplIRoLM5KY64Z6RmcbBD6It26viNGA7EDzlrpftkBQjGrof5Z4a28hQ5/s1600-h/basnmediakitonline-1.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzJieGfRa79LVxwZ1tuc7IptVlWcXXv4Zcs0gkoZiJqJyHOQ1LSnxbbhbawuosEMKTkh8za7SaW3Mk28xVGweplIRoLM5KY64Z6RmcbBD6It26viNGA7EDzlrpftkBQjGrof5Z4a28hQ5/s320/basnmediakitonline-1.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230888980343483730" /></a><br /><br /><br />The word about the We Support Nia Campaign continues to spread. The story of Nia Abdallah is a featured newsmaker on Blackathlete.com, which is considered one of the top sports networks online. Click the link: <a href="http://www.blackathlete.com/artman2/publish/Summer_Games_9/An_Olympic-Sized_Injustice.shtml" target="_blank">Nia On BlackAthlete.com</a>Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-88989453154251507912008-08-04T12:37:00.000-07:002008-08-05T10:12:14.081-07:00WATCH NIA ABDALLAH TONIGHT ON LIVE TELEVISION!Nia Abdallah will make a live appearance TONIGHT (August 4) on the live television show The People's Politics. The show will air at 8:30pm CST on Comcast Channel 17 and TV Max 15. Ms. Abdallah will be joined by Attorney Warren Muhammad to contine to expose the corruptness of Tae Kwon Do and the great Olympic injustice that took place that robbed the United States from having the BEST and MOST QUALIFIED fighter on the team!<br /><br />Tune in and then come back to the blog and leave her a comment!<br /><br />What: Nia Abdallah appearing on The People's Politics Show<br />When: TONIGHT, August 4th<br />Time: 8:30PM CST<br />Channels: Comcast Channel 17 and TV Max 15.<br /><br /><em><strong>About the Show Producers</strong></em><br />Pyramid Global Media, LLC. is a production company established to uplift people one step at a time. Their mission is to be the eyes of the people and give a voice to their social and economic affairs through various mediums. For more information visit <a href="http://pyramidglobalmedia.org/Home_Page.html" target="_blank">www.pyramidglobalmedia.org</a>Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-33171625475218490442008-07-30T13:27:00.000-07:002008-07-31T07:01:40.029-07:00Did You Know This About Nia Abdallah??<P><STRONG><FONT color=#004080 size=5><IMG height=274 alt="" src="http://www.noiswregion.org/Nia-Abdallah.jpg" width=163 align=left border=0>2004 Hall of Fame Competitor of the Year: Nia Abdallah<BR></FONT>by Russell Gray</STRONG></P><p>Reposted from:<a href="http://www.blackbeltmag.com/archives/418" target="_blank">http://www.blackbeltmag.com/archives/418</a></p><br /><P>In 2004 Houston-based Nia Abdallah made history by becoming the first American woman to win a medal in Olympic <EM>taekwondo</EM> since the martial sport became an official event in 2000. Olympic success like that doesn’t just happen overnight; it takes years, even decades, to cultivate and fine-tune. In Abdallah’s case, the arduous path to the top began more than 10 years ago.<BR><BR>While sitting with her grandfather and watching the Olympics on television, Abdallah boldly proclaimed that she not only wanted to compete in the games but that she would win. The sport that happened to be on the tube at the time was gymnastics, but the girl favored taekwondo, partly because her cousin was training in it. After some heavy-duty lobbying, she persuaded her family to let her sign up at a <EM>dojang</EM>. She was 9 at the time.<BR><BR>From the beginning, the martial artist displayed an aptitude for taekwondo, faring well in fighting, forms and breaking. In the Junior Olympics, she blazed a trail that spanned gold medals in fighting and forms in 1994, as well as a gold in sparring and a silver in forms in both 1995 and 1996. Then in 1997, she secured her first victory in an international event by winning at board breaking and placing second in forms at the U.S. Cup Taekwondo Championships. She continued her winning ways at the Senior National Championships in 2001, then bagged gold and silver at that same event in 2002, when she also won the Quebec Cup Championship.<BR><BR>In 2003 the 28th Olympiad was approaching, and the taekwondo contenders knew it was time to make their run. At least half a dozen athletes seemed destined to rise to the top of the women’s division—including former Olympians and elite national champions. Abdallah wasn’t even a blip on the radar. Things changed radically when she won a bronze at the 2003 Pan American Games and a gold at the Peru Open.<BR><BR>What finally catapulted the Texan into the limelight was her performance at a pivotal event in Mexico City in January 2004. She single-handedly qualified the United States for a slot in the Olympic featherweight division. (A country isn’t guaranteed a spot to compete in an Olympic sport; rather, athletes must earn the berth and then compete for a spot on their nation’s team.) Abdallah’s efforts handed the American women a chance to be represented in the games.<BR><BR>During the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in San Jose, California, everyone was gunning for Abdallah. The challengers knew that if they didn’t defeat her, it would be four more years until they got another chance. The third-degree black belt ended up blowing away all comers. She was free to focus on Athens, Greece.<BR><BR>Abdallah launched her quest for Olympic glory in blazing fashion. She scored 16 points—winning more points than in any other match up to that time—against Russian opponent Margarita Mkrtchyan, who scored just nine. The tough Texan then bested Italy’s Cristiana Corsi 3-2 and earned a spot in the medal contest by winning a close overtime against Thailand’s Nootharin Sukkhongdumnoen. That victory secured her a spot on the Olympic podium, where she received her silver medal.<BR><BR>Since her victory last year, the 21-year-old has been having the time of her life traveling around the world, making appearances at competitions, conducting seminars and being honored at banquets. She’s already set her sights on striking gold at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. <EM>Black Belt</EM> is proud to make her its 2004 Competitor of the Year.</P><br /><P><EM>About the author: Russell Gray is a freelance writer based in Southern California</EM>.</P>Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-50244732504627162922008-07-30T07:23:00.000-07:002008-07-30T07:35:12.302-07:00An Editorial From Nia's Parent Thomas J. Duhart Jr.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrSVyGkqtc37_m1R3SxTdk3lDYVoaDIXgZR4Dj1MMyMBmoY1KfdJO1meQU5AL2PwZj-ad1RgDmEB8B1a8b88tW6L6h-vH0vGS6zocfniOq3xdKJq5H0d0ZqgjXkdReiFuKX8XtuqNnk7x/s1600-h/42-16531847.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrSVyGkqtc37_m1R3SxTdk3lDYVoaDIXgZR4Dj1MMyMBmoY1KfdJO1meQU5AL2PwZj-ad1RgDmEB8B1a8b88tW6L6h-vH0vGS6zocfniOq3xdKJq5H0d0ZqgjXkdReiFuKX8XtuqNnk7x/s320/42-16531847.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228814962872559410" /></a><br /><strong>EDITORAL OF LOPEZ STORY</strong><br />By: Thomas J. Duhart, Jr.<br /><br /><br />As I read the article written by David Barron of the <a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/oly/5909541.html" target="_blank">Houston Chronicle</a> about the so called first family of Taekwondo the Lopez Family one thing stood out in my mine. Mr. Barron wrote that Diana defeated 2004 Silver Medalist Nia Abdallah of Houston in overtime in a match with a disputed outcome. Nia is my step-daughter and before I write this letter I encourage anyone that reads it go online to <a href="http://wesupportnia.blogspot.com" target="_blank">wesupportnia.blogspot.com</a> and view the fight for yourself. <br /><br />This history making match is the one that propelled the Lopez siblings into Olympic History. As for myself I’ve viewed that fight many times and not only that,I was there in Des Moines as an eye witness. With speed, agility and strength Nia easily beat Diana Lopez and was definitely the better fighter. These comments are not coming from a disgruntled parent but from someone who has been around this sport for 15 years. I have no hard feeling or animosity toward the Lopez family because my Christian faith will not allow it. I just want people to know the truth about how the history was made because there is a big difference between Making History and Faking History. <br /> <br />There are many behind the scene improprieties that have happened to Nia and for legal reasons I am not allowed to discuss them because I will take legal action soon. Jean Lopez is the US Coach and the brother of Nia’s chief rival and the other brother Mark Lopez sits on the Board of Directors of USA Taekwondo, just add in Steven Lopez the two time gold medalist and four times World Champion, Nia was up against a stacked deck. Mr. Barron pointed out in his article how the sibling’s parents came from Nicaragua and made a life here in American and built a family an American family. These were strong words because America is still the country of opportunity. <br /><br />My response to the story is that even though it is a good story it is not an unfamiliar story. All Americans that live here have a story. Nia is an African American female, the sixth generation from slavery. Both of her grandfathers served their country in WWII. Nia has had uncles and cousins fight for this country in Korea, Vietnam and all the way to the streets of Baghdad. Her cousin James Berry is a retired 4-Star General from the US Army. Nia has an incredible story which would take me writing a book to tell it all. In 2004, in spite of all the obstacles placed in her patch Nia overcame them. In Athens, Nia represented her country valiantly fighting with a fractured foot. When everything was over with I vividly remember everything that happened that day. After her final match Nia cried and was so disappointed about not winning the gold medal as she clutched her late grandfather Curtis. E. Hobbs Sr. U.S. Flag that was given to her grandmother at his funeral. <br /><br />Nia wanted to stand on the podium and hear our National Anthem played and later drape her grandfather flag across her shoulders as she walked around the arena. Her grandfather introduced her to the idea of going to the Olympics. I told Nia that she was still young and she could do it at the next Olympics. Nia worked hard and she trained hard to get back to the Olympics. Nia is a much better fighter then the one that won a Silver Medal in Athens. <br /> <br />My wife and I have always taught Nia to put your faith in God, work hard and never have an excuse if you don’t succeed. What do you tell your child when they do the right thing and due to politics and money the system fails them? This country has a myriad of problems but maybe I’m naïve, I always believed that sports transcend any barrier including race.<br /><br />The best usually always win and especially in the Olympics the best Athletes get to represent their country. However in Nia’s case the system failed her and the media has turned a blind eye to her fate. I graduated from the University of Houston in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism because I believed in the Medias ideal of wanting to search for the truth. It seams like money, commercials and Big Business is more important than the truth.<br /> <br />A few people told me to forget about what happened to Nia what done is done. My response to them was it didn’t happen to your child but it could, someone has to make a stand. If they can do that to Nia an established Athlete in Taekwondo and an Olympic Silver Medalist no one is safe. This time it was Taekwondo next time it could be something much graver because if good people stand by and do nothing evil will always rein.Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-41060619282704398242008-07-29T12:05:00.000-07:002008-07-29T12:34:22.658-07:00TKD Certified Coach Comments on Houston Chronicle article. Please Read!<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsMbOeiGI_AEYOTcKGGI_WEzhLE5L3vApZ_dR_u7tI6pW6zp4Xockvhf7t7rfnENP72g4F00dw0JzglUWofIg6Om5zSPZXOKWvuPNwmWeGH_fUml3D-bzAJzgRMEG0zv4PtADZ-YiIVzQ/s320/houstonchronicle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228520598808463074" /><br /><br />In the July 27th edition of the Houston Chronicle, Sports Writer David Barron wrote an article titled "First family of taekwondo realizes Olympic dream". Within that article he wrote:<br /><br /><strong>"Steven Lopez qualified in 2007 for his third Olympics, and Mark and Diana followed suit this spring at the Olympic trials, where Diana defeated 2004 silver medalist Nia Abdallah of Houston in overtime in a <strong>hotly disputed</strong> match."</strong><br /><br />NOT SO FAST MR. BARRON! LOOK AT THIS COMMENT LEFT ON THE WEBSITE IN RESPONSE TO THE ARTICLE AND THE OUTCOME OF THE FIGHT.<BR><br /><strong>2win wrote: </strong><br />I saw the video for the first time. My coach saw it and stated that Nia should have won that fight. I agreed.<br /><br />I am a TKD Blk belt and have been competed since 83, and also a certified referee and also a coach. Looking at round by round:<br />Round 1:<br />Nia 4 points ( 3 round kick: 1 on left kick, 1 on the double kick, fake right and landed on left kick, 1 on left kick, 1 on fast double right/left) This happened with in 30-40 second into the fight. Nia did not score on the head kick on this round is because it contacted on her shoulder and not on the face. Therefore shhe did not score 2 points.<br />Diana - 0<br /><br />Round 2:<br />Nia: 2 points to the head (an "illusion" kick ie. make it seems like a round kick but then hook at the last second to contact to the face) Nia definately had a solid kick on that at the 30 second into the 2nd round. Diana fell down.<br />Diana: 0<br /><br />Round 3:<br />Nia 2(scored first on the right leg fast kick. Then 1 more on the right leg fast kick<br /><br />Diana: 0 ( She kicked a bit more, but nothing landed)<br /><br />Sudden death: (Rule: First one landed a kick, wins)<br /><br />Nia- scored first on the right leg lunge round kick. It was not too clear though..ie..solid enough but it was there. 1 more on the right leg round kick, then Diana counter with her right leg and fell down. Nia kicked first on this exchange. Nia then 1 more on the right leg round/push kick and Diana lost her footing. A solid kick. 1 more solid round kick to Diana and Nia lost her footing and fell.<br /><br />Last 30 second Diana kicked and MISSED, and Nia counter with her right leg and landed.<br /><br />Result:<br />Nia: 0 ( with many FIRST kicks and landed)<br />Diana: 1 ( with 1 missed kick)<br /><br />Diana won.<br /><br />Critique on the ref:<br />- should have given Nia a -1/2 on turning the back on the fight when she just turn around and walk off. She was hurt and I do not know how.<br />- Should have given both fighters more -1/2 for stalling.<br /><br />Summary:<br />Nia was definately the better fighter: Superiority on kicks, superiority on initiating kicks, landed more kicks.<br /><br />Statistically, Nia delivered more kicks and landed more. Diana kicked, but nothing was landing. Lots of jammed kicks. She did do more on 3 round and on the sudden death. But it was not landing.<br /><br />On the old system (USTU) when "sudden death" round was non-existant, the center ref will decide on the superiority of the fighter. Nia was the superior fighter. She could have represent the US much better than Diana.<br /><br />With that said, Diana now really have to proof herself in Bejing. With the burden carrying to China, Diana really, really have to give it all and let the TKD people in the US that she has what it takes to represent the US TKD or else the Korean will have her for lunch.<br /><br />Diana looked very hesitant and not confident at the trial.<br /><br />As for me, I fought National and went to Team trial before way back when. My coach was up there with Clay Barber, Juan M., Ms L. Love, Ms D. Holloway...way back when. <br /><br />Posted: 7/28/2008 11:19:08 PM <br /><br />-END Quote-<br /><br />READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE,OTHER COMMENTS AND SPEAK OUT AT: <a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/oly/5909541.html" target="_blank">http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/oly/5909541.html</a>Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-91411054269340514372008-07-29T11:32:00.000-07:002008-07-29T12:01:50.278-07:00Nia Abdallah goes one-on-one with Your Black World Reporter<img src="http://hotlink.myspacecdn.com/images01/11/dcae0d2d59ef5e30ba913e2bc119a104/m.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://hotlink.myspacecdn.com/images01/73/7fbd371f13bd87601b0ed0ff65158718/m.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://hotlink.myspacecdn.com/images01/72/8ffb94bfd293510c5e1521b922dea828/m.jpg" alt="That is my favorite" /><br /><br />Tolu Olorunda, contributing writer for www.YourBlackWorld.com, went one-on-one with Nia Abdallah and her parents to go deeper into the movement of the <strong>We Support Nia Campaign</strong>.<br /><br />Here are a few excerpts:<br /><br /><strong>YBW:</strong> Can you speak on the background of Diana Lopez and the influence of the Lopez family in general? <br /><br /><strong>Abdallah:</strong> Well, a lot of people don't know this, but in 2000, the Lopez family was in the media saying that they we're going to be the "first family of Taekwondo" -- meaning that they would all compete in the 2008 Beijing Olympics together. One of the Lopez brothers is an AAC board member -- the board that makes the rules for the selection process. So, the family was in play with that much power, and they already had AT&T and The Jay Leno Show in the works before the Olympic trial, in order to promote their dynasty. <br /><br /><strong>YBW:</strong> Can you give us a landscape view of the 2008 Qualifying Match with Diana Lopez -- for those who haven't seen it? <br /><br /><strong>Abdallah:</strong> Basically, we went up to 3 or 4 rounds without any score points. And, seeing that we we're both world competitors, I could not understand why there were no points accrued initially in the span of the match. When I kicked her and she fell, there were no deductions, and it is definitely worth seeing the fight, because the tape proves itself. I urge everyone to go to my BlogSpot and MySpace page to view it, because she won by illegitimacy. <br /><br /><strong>YBW:</strong> What are you advocating for, and why? <br /><br /><strong>Abdallah:</strong> We are fighting for these injustices to stop, and most people look over it because it has become a staple in professional sports, but slaves could have said the same thing about their condition. We want everybody to know that together, we can change the system. <br /><br /><strong>YBT: </strong>Are you asking for reinstatement or a rematch? <br /><strong><br />Abdallah: </strong>Well, with the time frame, it is not probable that I would be going to Beijing. So, it's a small chance that I would still be present at the Olympics, but I'm fighting so that no one else has to go through the same experience I went through... <br /><br />Read the full interview at:<a href="http://blackamerica.wordpress.com/2008/07/28/silver-medalist-olympian-nia-abdallah-speaks-to-ybw/" target="_blank">Nia Abdallah Goes One-on-One With YBW</a>Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1723531851563890012.post-79729453297878944022008-07-28T13:26:00.000-07:002008-07-28T13:45:21.247-07:00BlackNews.com features Nia Abdallah for its 500,000 monthly readers!<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3ZTAzDV92n_8asxoUZOx_aUVmFyzUil9fc0_vKBRUwND-1r-Idm8MVcr_LXmMHbED_pw9RA_rZwkEOf9YXUPZZ7GPryXItlM3SLQ-YPu-XyAX6KWSST2KvehXkS0jwvdPsJfkd7F-ee_/s320/newpreston-gradient.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228166358329150338" /><br /><br /><strong>The word continues to spread. <br /><br />Nearly 500,000 Black Professionals visit BlackNews.com each month and for the next seven days they will be reading about the plight of 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist Nia Abdallah. Also a press release was sent out to their over 1,000 media outlets throughout the country to make it known that the Lopez family is <em>faking</em> history and not <em>making</em> history.</strong><br /><br />See Nia Abdallah at: <a href="http://www.blacknews.com/news/nia_abdallah101.shtml" target="_blank">http://www.blacknews.com/news/nia_abdallah101.shtml</a><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpECd5qSAJGkXqlnbP59g7vWNP68y9OG2caxqyez60y8i5HiQADCSmrlTue0QPg_mBT37K_H0o1MYK5Efk74SP0r12Hn0tTJSjusuCW4ZheD9wTgd2wJm-rXR6_KlBypTdclL6iDDOiMp/s320/gradient-strip.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228166571379298194">Nia Abdallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03997422059744723043noreply@blogger.com2