Michelle Tau, born on April 1, 1997, is a powerhouse in both the sports and beauty arenas. Known for her prowess in taekwondo and her grace as a beauty pageant contestant, Tau has become a symbol of resilience and excellence in Lesotho and beyond. Here are 20 key facts about this extraordinary athlete:
1. A Proud Basotho Athlete
Michelle Tau was born and raised in Lesotho, a country she passionately represents in international sports and cultural events.
2. Pageant Beginnings
In 2017, Tau competed in the Face of Beauty International pageant in New Delhi, India, after being crowned Face of Lesotho.
3. Taekwondo Champion
Tau is a regular competitor in world taekwondo tournaments, earning medals at the 2019 and 2023 African Games and the 2021 and 2023 African Taekwondo Championships.
4. Olympic Representation
She represented Lesotho in the women’s -49kg taekwondo category at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, although she was defeated in the first round by Mobina Nematzadeh, who went on to win bronze.
5. Sportswoman of the Year
In May 2024, Tau was named Sportswoman of the Year at the Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA) in Lusaka, Zambia. She triumphed over Zambia’s Beauty Nakazwe and Botswana’s Lethabo Modukanele to claim the honor.
6. Global Rankings
Tau is ranked 1st in Africa and 3rd in the world in the -46kg taekwondo category, trailing only Korea’s Mi-Reu Kang and Croatia’s Lena Stojkovic.
7. Olympic Rankings
She is ranked 26th in the Olympic standings, a testament to her consistent performance on the global stage.
8. Medal Collector
Tau’s impressive medal tally includes:
• Silver at the 2019 All Africa Games
• Silver at the 2020 European Club Championships
• Bronze at the 2021 African Championships
• Gold at the 2022 European Clubs Championships
• Silver at the 2023 European Clubs Championships
• Silver at the 2024 African Olympic Qualifications
9. A Legacy of Excellence
Her father, a taekwondo legend in Lesotho, inspired her journey. Tau honors his memory through her dedication to the sport.
10. Advocate for Women’s Rights
Beyond sports, Tau is a vocal advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment, actively combating gender-based violence.
11. Her Batonbearer Moment
She proudly carried the baton for the 2022 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay, representing Lesotho on the global stage.
12. A Dream Come True
In February 2024, Tau secured her place at the Paris Olympics by excelling in the African Qualifying Tournament in Dakar, Senegal.
13. Support from LNOC
The Lesotho National Olympic Committee played a vital role in her Olympic journey, covering her expenses and enabling her to focus on her training.
14. Training with a Master
Tau trains under the guidance of renowned coach Hugo Tortosa, who has helped her refine her skills.
15. Statistical Highlights
• Registered Fights: 45
• Wins: 21
• Hitpoints Distributed: 201
• Hitpoints Collected: 221
16. Undefeated in Golden Points
Despite the intensity of her matches, Tau has neither won nor lost via golden points, showcasing her decisiveness in competition.
17. Connecting Through Taekwondo
Tau finds a deep emotional connection to her late father through her taekwondo journey, which drives her to excel.
18. A Role Model for Africa
Her story inspires athletes across the continent, demonstrating the heights that can be achieved with dedication and perseverance.
19. A Global Symbol
Tau’s rise to prominence extends beyond Lesotho, earning her a place among Africa’s most celebrated sports figures.
20. A Bright Future Ahead
As she prepares for future competitions, including the 2024 Olympics, Michelle Tau remains a beacon of hope and resilience for her country and a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide.
Tau’s journey, marked by triumphs, setbacks, and unwavering determination, showcases her extraordinary talent and unrelenting drive to inspire others. She is not just an athlete but a symbol of possibility and progress for Lesotho and beyond.
