TAVISTOCK has a new world champion to be proud of, after teenager Tate Budge fought his way to Taekwon-do gold this week in Italy. Tate, aged just 14 and a student at Tavistock College, won gold in individual male under 16s' second degree patterns at the International Taekwon-do World Championships held in Rome. It is a tremendous achievement for the Tavistock youngster, who earned a white belt in the discipline aged four, progressing through to a second degree black belt and his new world title. He had a tough draw against competitors from around the world, including Argentina and Canada, but his focus and determination shone through and he beat Nicolas Audino from Argentina in the final to clinch gold. The talented martial artist was also picked to be part of Team UK's junior team that competed in patterns, sparring and special technique. As a team they won another three medals (silver for sparring and bronze for both patterns and special technique) — taking Tate's personal medal tally to four in all. Tate said: 'When I saw I was drawn against the Argentinian in the opening round my hopes dropped as I knew he is good in the patterns; he was the best I fought in the competition. 'I was nervous but I have confidence in myself when I compete and after winning the first round I got to the stage where I thought I wasn't going to lose. 'When I fought another Argentinian I was down in their corner and the atmosphere was incredible, unlike anything I have experienced in any other competition. It was brilliant.' The new world champion is thankful to all those who have made his dream possible. Tate said: 'Dad has been a big help and mum is always there. I also want to thank Chris Wood [who trains him at South Coast Martial Arts] and in Rome all the GB coaches and squad, who were really supportive and made us feel so welcome.' His dad Dave, who accompanied his son to Rome, said Tate was just happy to be there and would have been happy to have got through a round or two. 'As a family we are so proud of Tate and what he has achieved — some people never realise their dreams and for him to achieve his has been a truly wonderful experience for us all. 'I don't think it has really sunk in for him but it has opened his eyes to what he can now achieve in Taekwan-do. 'This win has re-ignited his passion for the sport. This makes all the training, competitions, travelling and time put in all worthwhile. 'We would like to thank everyone who wished Tate good luck on his journey to Rome and especially all those who contributed to Tate's fund to help him on his way. 'There are too many people to mention personally but a special mention has to go to Tavistock College , South Coast Martial Arts and Andy and Marcia at the The Walkhampton Inn for all their help — and Tate's nan Kris Budge for her invaluable organisational skills and support.' Tate's training has already resumed this week and he will now focus on the UK and British opens that will be coming up in October and February. He hopes to qualify once more for Team UK and be eligible to travel to Moldova next year for the European Championships before the World Championships arrive in London 2016.