by sportswriters Niu Mengtong and Wang Hengzhi
WUXI, China, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian twins Luana and Viviana Marton shone on consecutive days at the Taekwondo World Championships. After Luana claimed her second world title in the 67kg category, her younger sister Viviana, the reigning Olympic champion, earned her first world championship silver medal in the 62kg division. Yet above all, it was their shared ambition that shone brightest.
Even before stepping onto the mats in Wuxi, they had already rewritten Hungary's taekwondo history. Viviana won her nation's first-ever Olympic taekwondo gold medal in the women's 67kg at Paris 2024, while Luana, competing at 57kg, became Hungary's first female taekwondo world champion at the 2023 Baku World Championships, achieving the feat at just 17 years old.
"We are going to 'eat' the world," declared the 19-year-old duo, whose journey from a volcanic island to the global stage is now firmly underway.
The sisters' story began on a small volcanic island in the Atlantic - Tenerife, part of Spain's Canary Islands. In the early 2000s, their Hungarian parents, Zsolt and Barbara Marton, visited and fell in love with its sun-soaked landscapes and relaxed way of life. They soon decided to settle there.
The twins spent their formative years surrounded by sunshine, sea breeze, and a vibrant mix of languages and cultures. Growing up in a sports-loving household, with a father who was a kickboxer and a mother who played handball, the twins seemed destined for athletic careers. Their path became clear in 2016, when a taekwondo demonstration class caught their attention, and they fell in love with the sport instantly.
"Their dream was to become Olympic champions," Zsolt recalled in an interview. "They weren't even ten when they first said it."
Chasing that dream meant leaving Tenerife behind. The family ended their years on the island in 2017 and moved to Madrid the following year, taking a leap of faith for the twins' future. "There were many risks," Zsolt admitted. "But seeing their humility, dedication, and hard work, we knew it was the right choice."
In Madrid, their talent quickly drew attention. They joined Hankuk International School, a renowned local taekwondo club. "We came to Madrid with one clear goal - to make it to the Olympics and become champions," Viviana said.
The Marton twins share a fierce desire to win and a strong connection. They train together every day, perfectly in sync both mentally and physically. Their styles complement each other. Viviana is right-handed, while Luana is left-handed, which makes them ideal partners who push each other like no one else can. "It's perfect for us to practice side by side," Viviana said.
Their support goes beyond the mats. When Viviana competed in the Olympic final, Luana, her long-time sparring partner, felt just as nervous. "I was even more nervous than when I fought in the World Championships final," Luana admitted. "But as the rounds went on, I knew she would win gold. After all those years of training together, it felt like I had won it too."
When Luana claimed her second World Championship title one day, her younger sister Viviana was equally elated the next day, even though she narrowly missed gold herself. "My sister won the gold. She's the best athlete in the world," Viviana said. "She worked so hard this year, faced so many difficult moments, and I'm so proud of her. I'm so happy for her."
As for her own ambitions, Viviana added, "I'm very hungry. Everyone better watch out, because I'm coming back even stronger."
The two taekwondo prodigies stand out not only for their shared drive but also for their distinct fighting styles and personalities. "My sister is calmer, more technical, and very smart in her fights," Viviana explained. "I have a stronger, faster style. Together, it makes a great combination."
"I don't know my limits yet, this is still the beginning of my sports career," said Viviana, already an Olympic champion but far from content.
For Luana and Viviana Marton, the medals are just the beginning. At only 19, the twins continue to train side by side, pushing each other to new heights. Together, they are not only chasing victories but also ushering in a new era for Hungarian taekwondo, and perhaps for the sport on the world stage. ■