Three siblings from Sugarland, Texas made Olympic history in Des Moines over the weekend when they all qualified for the U.S. Taekwondo team. It is the first time since 1904 that a trio of American siblings has qualified in the same year, for the same sport.
Two time Olympic gold medalist Steven Lopez will be joined by his brother Mark and sister Diana in Beijing this August. The two younger Lopez family members sewed up spots on the U.S. team in dramatic fashion. Mark defeated training partner Chris Martinez three to two, while Diana needed over time to edge 2004 Olympic silver medalist Nia Abdallah.
Diana Lopez says she’s enjoying everything and happy to be healthy and join her brothers in earning a spot on the U.S. team. Mark said he was nervous watching his sister go into overtime. He says things always seem to be close for his brother and sister in their matches.