During the day, Morgan Burt is studying to become a primary school teacher, but her mornings and evenings involve a very different kind of training.

The Tauranga local, who doubles as a taekwondo athlete, is being selected to represent New Zealand at the Oceania Taekwondo Championships being held in Tahiti at the end of the month.

She has been fighting her way to the top for nearly 10 years at ‘Team KO' with her coach, Master Kesi O'Neill, and says she is 'super excited” for the opportunity to represent the country.

'Master Kesi and my other coach Jordan are both huge factors for my motivation. They are so passionate about the sport,” says Morgan.

The selection process for the upcoming overseas tournament was held on Saturday, August 6. Morgan says her family was 'very stoked” for her upon hearing the news.

'My family actually found out before me; my master let my family know over the phone who thought it was such an amazing opportunity.”

Morgan first got into the sport through her sister and father, who participated in the sport.

'I used to get picked up from ballet and watch, then one day they asked me to join in and I really enjoyed it.”

Nowadays she has ditched the dancing shoes and gets up early to train in the morning and the afternoon to prepare for the tournament.

'I do three to four days of morning and afternoon trainings per week and fit my university work in during the middle.

'On the other days I do some sort of cardio or other form of training to prepare.”

Morgan adds she is most excited to represent New Zealand and participate in both the Oceanic Championship and the Tahiti Open tournament, which will feature athletes from all around the globe.

Master Kesi is "honoured" for Morgan to be representing the country. Photo: Supplied/SunLive.

Master Kesi says no matter if Morgan comes out with a win or not, the opportunity to represent New Zealand is 'amazing”.

'I say ‘you're representing New Zealand' so no matter what happens it's amazing to be wearing the ‘NZL' on the uniform," says Master Kesi.

The tournament will be running from Friday, September 30, to Sunday, October 2. Master Kesi says the pair will be heading to Tahiti "a few days early" to acclimatise and prepare.

'We're really in the time now where we start preparing the mindset. We're on a good path and are happy, our coaches here have a great bond with the athletes."

'We haven't been able to send people overseas since Covid-19, so it is significant to be able to get back out there.

'Morgan is improving all the time. Last weekend we did some sparring training, and she was great. She's always getting better. We're getting to the point now where we start getting in the right mindset for the upcoming tournament.”

'Master Kesi O'Neill is such an amazing coach. He is very encouraging and has always helped me to believe in myself, alongside his daughter Rhiannon who is my absolute idol,” says Morgan.

'She was selected for an Olympic qualifier, and I've always looked up to her. They are both so passionate about their sport.

'Master Kesi's wife Charlie and the club as a whole have been so supportive. I am so thankful for them and this opportunity.”

A fellow club mate at TEAM KO is currently helping Morgan fundraise for her trip overseas. For more information, or to make a donation towards her trip, visit the GiveALittle page.