
Taekwondo statistics and record £1 million - Arsenal striker Smith rises
Olivia Smith, Arsenal's record striker, talks about her successes from a young age and the impact of her cultural background and Taekwondo training on her career.
Taekwondo statistics and record £1 million - Arsenal striker Smith rises
According toBBC.
Background
Olivia Smith, who moved to Arsenal from Liverpool, has become an icon in the Women's Super League. She registered her name as the first woman to score a goal for Liverpool in a league match, reflecting her significant influence on the game. Smith, who was named the PFA Young Player of the Year, continues to prove herself as one of the best talents in the women's game.
Why is this important?
Olivia Smith marks a milestone for the Women's Super League, becoming the first player to be worth more than £1 million. Her achievements are not only a source of pride for Arsenal, but also reflect the development of women's football globally. Smith, who grew up in a multicultural environment, exemplifies how diversity can enrich the game.
Key points
- Taekwondo statistics and record £1 million - Arsenal striker Smith rises.
- Olivia Smith, Arsenal's record striker, talks about her successes from a young age and the impact of her cultural background and Taekwondo training on her career.
- Taekwondo, stats and £1m record - the rise of Arsenal striker Smith.
Smith registered her name as the first woman to score a goal for Liverpool in a Women's Super League match in October 2025. For the second time in a row, she received the PFA Young Player of the Year award, making her the first non-English recipient of the award. But how did Smith's childhood sacrifices help her reach the top?
Smith grew up in the small Canadian city of Whitby, where her father, Sean, encouraged her to play soccer from a young age. She moved between several local clubs until she was 12, when she joined a women's team after playing with the boys for a long time. Smith was clearly talented, so she continued to train with the boys while enjoying her multicultural upbringing around Toronto.
“My parents made a lot of sacrifices to take me to all these places and move every few years,” Smith says. “My father is from Jamaica, and my mother is Chilean and Peruvian. There is a big soccer culture in our family.”
Smith also faced bullying at school, which led her to try different sports as a way to cope, without realizing how these activities would help her in her soccer career. “I practiced taekwondo as a child. I used to worry about being bullied at school, so that was a defense mechanism,” Smith says.
Smith adds: “I also did gymnastics, which helped me a lot with my flexibility. I find that, for my height, I am very flexible, which helps prevent injuries. Taekwondo has improved my discipline, and improved my shooting speed. All of this has helped me in my football career.”

Smith talks about how her non-traditional background in sports helped her deal with pressure and stress, and also helped her develop mental ability.
“You have to have discipline in working out, which has helped me a lot in my daily life,” she adds. "In gymnastics, you need to do exercises like splits or planks for a long time. This helps mentally with endurance."
Her family has also been key to her success. Her father has been tracking her statistics since she was young. “He would record all my matches and film them for me, and then we would go back and watch them together to see what I could improve,” Smith says.
Smith now considers starting her second season with Arsenal, where she feels the club has become her home. “When I entered the building for the second time, it felt surreal. Arsenal seemed like the right place for me,” she adds.
Smith's ambitions remain the same: "When I was six or seven, I would write in my diary what I wanted to achieve. I want to win the Ballon d'Or. I want to win the World Cup," she says.
Smith considers her childhood ambitions to be what pushed her to where she is today.
What's next?
As Smith continues to impress, she is expected to play a pivotal role for Arsenal and the Women's Super League. Her achievements may bring more attention to women's football, enhancing its standing in the sporting arena. Smith may also be a candidate for more awards and honors in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with Olivia Smith?
Olivia Smith became the first women's footballer to be worth more than £1 million when she moved to Arsenal in a record deal from Liverpool.
Who confirmed Olivia Smith's transfer to Arsenal?
No specific source confirming Olivia Smith's move to Arsenal was mentioned in the article.
Why is Olivia Smith now in the spotlight?
Olivia Smith has been in the spotlight for her achievements in football, including becoming the first woman to score a goal for Liverpool in the Women's Super League.
What changes occurred in Olivia Smith's career?
Olivia Smith has moved from Liverpool to Arsenal, marking a major change in her professional career.
How did Olivia Smith's childhood experiences help her athletic career?
Olivia Smith's childhood experiences, including taekwondo and gymnastics, helped her improve her discipline, flexibility and shooting speed.
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