Rudford Hamon (Q&A - Oct. 2008)

Rudford Hamon, 26, of Miami, Fla., is the men's welterweight representative on the Pan American Taekwondo Championship Team competing this month in Caguas, Puerto Rico. "Rufus" trains at Peak Performance in Miami under the coaching of Juan Moreno.

He answered the following 10 questions for this month's USAT Athlete Profile...

Q1: Have you ever battled back from a serious injury to qualify for a team?

RUDFORD HAMON: Just 2-3 months after breaking my fibula, I competed in the 2005 Nationals in order to qualify for team trials. I managed to qualify with basically one leg.

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Rufus at the closing ceremonies of the 2005 World University Games

Q2: Say a young Taekwondo athlete comes up to you and you can only give them one piece of advice - what do you tell them?

RUDFORD HAMON: Believe that you have what it takes to be the best at anything that you wish to accomplish, and never settle for less.

Q3: Do you ever take a break from training?

RUDFORD HAMON: I don't take breaks, but I do have days off like Sundays, long weekends, and holidays. It really just depends if there is an upcoming competition. Usually, my trainings are on a periodization cycle which is based on my personal and team competition schedules. This really helps to avoid the "burnt-out" sensation. As I get ready for a competition, I do not waiver from an intense, high-focus level. Then, during off-season or "non-competition" months, I continue to train but not so intensely. Continuing to train off-season allows me to maintain my conditioning and improve my skills.

Q4: What has Taekwondo taught you about yourself?

RUDFORD HAMON: Taekwondo has always been an essential part of my life. Since I started at the age of 7, I've been in love with it. At 7--and still today--there was nothing more appealing than kicking, punching, and fighting in a uniform. Taekwondo has taught me discipline, mental fortitude, respect, and to be an achiever. Because of Taekwondo, I have been able to overcome personal hurdles throughout my life. Taekwondo kept me away from drugs and violence while growing up in a violent West Palm neighborhood; it helped me deal with the loss of my eldest sister to AIDS. I have also met many successful people and peers who have played an important role in my life, and as a result I'm proud to say that I'm the man I am today. I attribute much of the good fortune in my personal and professional life to Taekwondo and, also my mentor, first sponsor and "dad," Ilia Lekach.

Q5: Do you see yourself consistently improving and, if so, are the 2012 Olympics a possibility for Rufus Hamon?

RUDFORD HAMON: As I get older, I look and feel younger. From that perspective, I continue to see myself competing and improving on a daily basis and in the future. Everyday, I learn something new from my coach and teammates, which has enabled me to really add, subtract, and sharpen characteristics of my game.

Q6: What are your goals in Taekwondo?

RUDFORD HAMON: My goals are simple. They are to be: 1. State Champion; 2. National Champion; 3. Pan-American Champion; 4. World Champion; 5. Olympic Champion-And all by 2012!

Q7: What does your future hold?

RUDFORD HAMON: As I plan for the future, I just take everything one day at a time while simultaneously living life to the fullest. I have a lot of interest in becoming successful in business. I am currently the VP of distribution for an extreme retail sports company by the name of Adrenalina. There, I manage the distribution division of Ed Hardy for the Caribbean and Latin. At some point, I plan to have my own distribution or manufacturing company.

Rufus (l) in Venezuela at a Guess fragrance launch party

Q8: What is your all-time favorite movie and why?

RUDFORD HAMON: My favorite is "Dumb and Dumber". I love Jim Carrey. He's hilarious. The best part of the movie was when Lloyd and Harry were trying to warm up outside near a bonfire, after they drove to aspen on their scooter. Harry says "Man it's freezing out here." Lloyd says "I know." A few minutes later, Lloyd takes off his gloves, saying that his fingers were getting hot. Harry says " You mean to tell me that you had two gloves on this whole time?" Lloyd says "Yeah, it's Aspen." Classic!!!

Q9: At 5'9", how do you explain your success in the upper weight divisions?

RUDFORD HAMON: Growing up, I was always the smallest kid among my peers. What separated me from them was fear. I was fearless and competitive when it came to physical and combative sports. As for Taekwondo, this same mindset along with my speed, quick reaction, and skills really gave me a competitive edge. It started when I was just a skinny featherweight. At my dojang, I used to fight all out with no equipment -real "Miami style" with Antony Graf and Jorge Barahon. At the time, they were true classified middle/heavy weights. Impressively, I held my own. Due to my body changes, I decided not to compete at feather anymore and embrace the challenge of competing in whichever weight division my natural body weight would allow. If you have game you can compete in any division.

Q10: What do you expect from yourself at the upcoming Pan American Championships?

RUDFORD HAMON: I expect to perform at the best of my ability while representing the best country in the world. I have been preparing accordingly with my coach and teammates to achieve the ultimate goal.

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