19-year-old British taekwondo world medallist dies after cardiac arrest in her sleep

A 19-year-old British taekwondo world medallist died in her sleep after suffering an unexpected cardiac arrest, according to details shared in a fundraising campaign set up following her death.

Isabelle Sava died on Aug 17, after emergency services "fought desperately to resuscitate her and save her life", family friend Adriana Agache wrote on a GoFundMe page launched on behalf of Sava's parents, Laura and Ovi Sava.

The cause of Sava's cardiac arrest has not been disclosed.

"Nineteen years was nowhere near enough. A beautiful young woman with an extraordinary future. Isabelle had her whole life ahead of her," wrote Agache. 

Sava began her taekwondo journey in 2015 and progressed quickly through the ranks, earning her first-degree and second-degree black belts in 2019 and 2021 respectively.

Despite having been an accomplished regional and national champion, Sava was determined to represent Team UK at the ITF World Championships. 

In 2022, she competed at the World Taekwondo Championship in the Netherlands and won a silver medal in sparring.

Sava's martial arts academy, UK ITF, paid tribute to her in an Instagram post. 

The post said: "Beyond her remarkable achievements on the mats, Isabelle was a pleasure to teach, train alongside and know."

"She will be sorely missed by everyone who had the privilege of meeting her across the Taekwon-Do community. Our deepest thoughts, love, and prayers are with her family and friends during this heartbreaking time." 

Aspiring commercial lawyer

Sava, who wanted to become a commercial lawyer, was pursing her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at Queen Mary University of London and had been preparing to start her second year, according to the campaign post. 

She was "immersed in university life and the legal world" and served in various societies and student organisations. 

"She actively sought opportunities to learn, gain legal experience and prepare herself for the career she wanted.

"She was intelligent, ambitious, focused and incredibly determined. She knew where she wanted to go in life, and she was prepared to work hard to get there," wrote Agache. 

"Rest peacefully, beautiful Isabelle. Forever 19. Forever loved. Forever remembered." 

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esther.lam@asiaone.com