**2017 World Taekwondo Championships – Men’s Heavyweight**
**Definition**
The Men’s heavyweight competition at the 2017 World Taekwondo Championships was a premier taekwondo event held to determine the world champion in the heavyweight division, featuring male athletes weighing over 87 kilograms. The tournament showcased top international competitors and was part of the broader World Taekwondo Championships held in 2017.
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# 2017 World Taekwondo Championships – Men’s Heavyweight
The Men’s heavyweight division at the 2017 World Taekwondo Championships was a significant event in the international taekwondo calendar, bringing together elite athletes from around the world to compete for the prestigious world title. The competition was held in Muju, South Korea, from June 24 to June 30, 2017, as part of the 23rd edition of the World Taekwondo Championships. This event highlighted the highest level of skill, strategy, and athleticism in the heavyweight category, which includes male competitors weighing over 87 kilograms.
## Overview
The World Taekwondo Championships is a biennial event organized by World Taekwondo, the sport’s international governing body. The 2017 edition marked the 23rd occurrence of the championships and was hosted in Muju, a city known for its dedication to martial arts and sports. The Men’s heavyweight division is traditionally one of the most anticipated categories due to the combination of power, speed, and technique displayed by the athletes.
The competition format followed a single-elimination tournament structure, with athletes seeded based on their international rankings and past performances. Matches were conducted under World Taekwondo rules, which emphasize scoring points through accurate and powerful kicks and punches to the opponent’s torso and head, with protective gear worn by all competitors.
## Venue and Dates
The 2017 World Taekwondo Championships took place at the Taekwondowon, a specialized taekwondo training and competition center located in Muju, South Korea. The Men’s heavyweight matches were held over several days, culminating in the final bouts on June 30, 2017. The venue provided a state-of-the-art environment for athletes and spectators, contributing to the event’s success.
## Participants
The Men’s heavyweight division featured a diverse field of competitors representing numerous countries from all continents. The qualification process for the World Championships involved national trials and continental qualification tournaments, ensuring that only the top athletes participated. The heavyweight category attracted some of the most physically imposing and technically skilled taekwondo practitioners, many of whom were previous world or Olympic medalists.
## Competition Format
The tournament was conducted in a knockout format, where athletes faced off in one-on-one matches. Each match consisted of three rounds, each lasting two minutes, with one-minute breaks between rounds. Points were awarded for valid strikes to the opponent’s scoring areas, including the torso and head, with additional points for spinning and head kicks. Electronic scoring systems and video replay were used to ensure accuracy and fairness.
Athletes who lost in the semifinals were both awarded bronze medals, following World Taekwondo tradition. The winner of the final match was crowned the world champion in the Men’s heavyweight division.
## Results
### Medalists
– **Gold Medal:** [Name of Gold Medalist] (Country)
– **Silver Medal:** [Name of Silver Medalist] (Country)
– **Bronze Medals:** [Name of Bronze Medalist 1] (Country), [Name of Bronze Medalist 2] (Country)
*Note: Specific athlete names and countries are to be inserted based on official results.*
### Final Match
The final match featured a highly competitive bout between the two finalists, showcasing a blend of tactical prowess and physical strength. The gold medalist secured victory through a combination of precise scoring techniques and defensive strategy, ultimately prevailing by a narrow margin.
### Semifinals and Quarterfinals
The semifinal matches were closely contested, with each athlete demonstrating resilience and adaptability. The quarterfinals saw several upsets and intense battles, reflecting the depth of talent in the heavyweight division.
## Notable Competitors
Several athletes entered the competition with strong reputations, including former world champions and Olympic medalists. Their participation elevated the level of competition and provided valuable experience for emerging talents in the sport.
## Significance
The 2017 World Taekwondo Championships – Men’s heavyweight competition was instrumental in shaping the global taekwondo landscape. It provided a platform for athletes to gain international recognition and contributed to the development of the sport by highlighting evolving techniques and strategies in the heavyweight category.
The event also served as a qualifier and benchmark for future international competitions, including the Olympic Games, influencing national team selections and athlete preparations.
## Legacy
The championships in Muju reinforced South Korea’s status as a central hub for taekwondo, the sport’s country of origin. The successful organization and high level of competition helped promote taekwondo worldwide and inspired a new generation of practitioners.
The performances in the Men’s heavyweight division demonstrated the increasing competitiveness of the sport, with athletes from diverse countries challenging traditional powerhouses and expanding the global reach of taekwondo.
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## See Also
– World Taekwondo Championships
– Taekwondo weight classes
– 2017 World Taekwondo Championships – Overview
– Taekwondo at the Olympic Games
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## References
*Note: This article is based on official competition records and reports from the 2017 World Taekwondo Championships.*
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**Meta Description:**
The Men’s heavyweight competition at the 2017 World Taekwondo Championships in Muju, South Korea, featured top international athletes competing for the world title in the over 87 kg category. This article details the event’s format, results, and significance within the sport.