Departures of note

Isabelle Sava was a promising British taekwondo athlete who earned her first dan black belt in 2019 and her second in 2021. She built a strong record as a regional and national champion, establishing herself as one of the rising talents in British taekwondo.

In her first international competition she demonstrated exceptional skill and spirit, defeating tough opponents to claim the silver medal in sparring at the World Championship. She aspired to represent her country at the Olympic Games, a goal she was actively pursuing at the time of her death.

Sava died suddenly on 17 August 2026 at the age of 19 after suffering a cardiac arrest while sleeping. Her taekwondo academy announced her passing and organized a fundraising campaign to support her family with funeral and memorial expenses.