12 Sep 2025, 12:03Pr Wil Masih; Edited by SM CommunicationsInverness, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom
Elgin Church Youth Achieves World Championship Gold in Tang Soo Do
From the heart of Elgin to the world stage, one young athlete is making her mark — combining skill, discipline, and faith to become an international champion.
The Elgin Seventh-day Adventist Church is celebrating a remarkable achievement by one of its outstanding young athletes. Representing the UK, Tia Graham, a dedicated youth of the Elgin congregation, won gold in the Hand Forms category at the 7th World Tang Soo Do Championship 2025, held in Inverness.
This latest victory adds to an already impressive record: a gold medal at the European Championship 2024 and two gold medals at the British Championship 2024. With these titles, Tia has become not only a national and regional champion, but also an international one.
For those not familiar, Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean martial art that emphasises discipline, self-control, and precise techniques. The Hand Forms category, in which Tia competed, requires competitors to demonstrate a series of choreographed movements with speed, accuracy, and power, showcasing both skill and artistry.
Tia’s journey in Tang Soo Do began at the tender age of five. Over the years, the sport has shaped her character and values. “Tang Soo Do teaches me self-defence, self-discipline, respect, teamwork, hard work, determination, and perseverance,” she explains. “It’s a sport that teaches many things about life.”
Her path has not been without challenges. The sad and untimely loss of her father a few years ago was deeply painful, but she says the discipline and friendships she found in Tang Soo Do, alongside her faith and the encouragement of her mum, gave her the strength to carry on. “Mum motivates me, encourages me, and is always there,” she shares. Through this support, and her faith in God, she was able to continue pursuing a demanding athletic journey.
The Elgin Church has stood alongside Tia through her journey, supporting her with prayers and encouragement. Members have watched her grow not only as a gifted athlete but also as a young person of faith and resilience. She has been attending Elgin Church since she was a child and has become an outstanding yet humble young person who is committed to supporting the church.
“It is inspiring to see one of our young people excelling on the world stage while keeping her heart humble before God," said Pastor Wil Masih. "Tia’s success is not only a victory for Elgin Church but a reminder that our youth can thrive when faith and dedication go hand in hand. Tia is a role model, not just for her peers, but for all of us and we will continue to encourage her to strive to be the best in everything she does."
Reflecting on Tia’s dedication and discipline, it is easy to see a parallel with the words of the Apostle Paul: ‘Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever’ (1 Corinthians 9:25, NIV). Tia’s medals shine as tangible evidence of her hard work, but they also point toward the greater spiritual race in which all believers are called to persevere.
Just as Tang Soo Do demands focus, respect, and perseverance, so too the Christian life calls for humility, prayer, and determination. Tia’s example reminds us that both paths, though demanding, bring lasting rewards.
Her achievements are not just personal triumphs but also a testimony to the power of encouragement, community, and faith. The friendships she has built through Tang Soo Do, the prayers of her church family, and the love of her mum have all shaped her into the world champion she is today.
As Tia looks ahead to future competitions, she hopes her story will inspire other young people. “If I can do this with God’s help,” she says, “then they can achieve great things too.”
Her medals may one day fade, but the legacy of her faith, perseverance, and testimony will continue to shine brightly in her church, her school, her community, and beyond.
From the heart of Elgin to the world stage, one young athlete is making her mark — combining skill, discipline, and faith to become an international champion.
The Elgin Seventh-day Adventist Church is celebrating a remarkable achievement by one of its outstanding young athletes. Representing the UK, Tia Graham, a dedicated youth of the Elgin congregation, won gold in the Hand Forms category at the 7th World Tang Soo Do Championship 2025, held in Inverness.
This latest victory adds to an already impressive record: a gold medal at the European Championship 2024 and two gold medals at the British Championship 2024. With these titles, Tia has become not only a national and regional champion, but also an international one.
For those not familiar, Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean martial art that emphasises discipline, self-control, and precise techniques. The Hand Forms category, in which Tia competed, requires competitors to demonstrate a series of choreographed movements with speed, accuracy, and power, showcasing both skill and artistry.
Tia’s journey in Tang Soo Do began at the tender age of five. Over the years, the sport has shaped her character and values. “Tang Soo Do teaches me self-defence, self-discipline, respect, teamwork, hard work, determination, and perseverance,” she explains. “It’s a sport that teaches many things about life.”
Her path has not been without challenges. The sad and untimely loss of her father a few years ago was deeply painful, but she says the discipline and friendships she found in Tang Soo Do, alongside her faith and the encouragement of her mum, gave her the strength to carry on. “Mum motivates me, encourages me, and is always there,” she shares. Through this support, and her faith in God, she was able to continue pursuing a demanding athletic journey.
The Elgin Church has stood alongside Tia through her journey, supporting her with prayers and encouragement. Members have watched her grow not only as a gifted athlete but also as a young person of faith and resilience. She has been attending Elgin Church since she was a child and has become an outstanding yet humble young person who is committed to supporting the church.
“It is inspiring to see one of our young people excelling on the world stage while keeping her heart humble before God," said Pastor Wil Masih. "Tia’s success is not only a victory for Elgin Church but a reminder that our youth can thrive when faith and dedication go hand in hand. Tia is a role model, not just for her peers, but for all of us and we will continue to encourage her to strive to be the best in everything she does."
Reflecting on Tia’s dedication and discipline, it is easy to see a parallel with the words of the Apostle Paul: ‘Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever’ (1 Corinthians 9:25, NIV). Tia’s medals shine as tangible evidence of her hard work, but they also point toward the greater spiritual race in which all believers are called to persevere.
Just as Tang Soo Do demands focus, respect, and perseverance, so too the Christian life calls for humility, prayer, and determination. Tia’s example reminds us that both paths, though demanding, bring lasting rewards.
Her achievements are not just personal triumphs but also a testimony to the power of encouragement, community, and faith. The friendships she has built through Tang Soo Do, the prayers of her church family, and the love of her mum have all shaped her into the world champion she is today.
As Tia looks ahead to future competitions, she hopes her story will inspire other young people. “If I can do this with God’s help,” she says, “then they can achieve great things too.”
Her medals may one day fade, but the legacy of her faith, perseverance, and testimony will continue to shine brightly in her church, her school, her community, and beyond.
