For the first time, the Summer Olympics will include karate, and a Horned Frog will be among the competitors. Tom Scott ’12, who earned a BS in criminal justice, will be competing in kumite (fighting) karate.
As he was getting ready to head to Tokyo, Scott answered a few questions for TCU News:
When did you first try karate and why do you think it became such a passion for you?
TS: I started karate when I was 8 years old. Part of the beauty of karate is that no one starts because of the sport. Parents are always looking to get their child discipline or confidence, and adults and teens are looking for self-defense. My mom put me in to build confidence. I believe I really took to it because I enjoyed the individual sport aspect as opposed to team sports. Being in control of the outcome with no one else to blame but myself was comforting.
What does this opportunity mean to you?
TS: As a kid, I dreamed about this before I was ever good enough and before karate was ever close to being included in the Olympics. This is our debut as a sport and I can’t explain how special it is to be in this historic event for my sport.
You thought you didn’t qualify for Tokyo, but then things took a turn — what was that like?
TS: I will always be able to relate to anyone: In pursuit of a dream, I lost and was out. I mourned, sought God and was determined to move forward and live up to what I preach. Then finding out I was in has also brought feelings of achievement. I have earned being in the position that I am, but the fact that it was God given at the end of the day is special to me.
How has the yearlong delay in the Tokyo games impacted you?
TS: I am one of the few in the world who might be able to say that I benefited from the yearlong COVID delay. I trained hard for the sake of training hard and not in order to prep for any events. After a losing streak in early 2020, I was feeling the pressure. The yearlong break rekindled a love for my sport again. Now I am back — fresh and eager to rock.
You’ve said the reason you do karate is because of God. Can you explain?
TS: God uses my love for this sport to reach me. By working hard, winning, losing, traveling, meeting and caring for people, I am living my Christian faith. Every aspect of my life involves the pursuit of self-betterment. Being an athlete, a karate teacher and a Christian demands self-growth, and plateauing is your enemy.
Each year you set a theme for yourself to help stay focused through the competitive season. What is your 2021 theme?
TS: Attitude. In 2020, through some losses, I was getting pretty sour. This year, I control what I can control, give everything I’ve got and enjoy every moment because it’s worth it.
Any other secrets to success?
TS: There is a team behind the athlete. My wife, Morgan, kicks me ever so lovingly on my way out the door to practice. My coach, sensei and mentor Brody Burns doesn’t let me settle for anything less than my best. My strength and conditioning coach Chris Stratis takes care of the logistics of elite level body prep. My family, friends, dojo community and teammates have been incredibly involved and supportive. I bring them along with me in this journey.
What do you do when your aren’t living the Olympic dream?
TS: Being humbled by teaching karate to children who don’t care what you’ve accomplished or where you’ve been but only who you are. It is important for me to have this balance in life, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Are you a fan of The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai?
TS: I like the Karate Kid movies and Cobra Kai has been fun. I laugh that people think that senseis are drinking beers in the back in between classes. I guess I am so happy to see how professional we are here at our school.
Did you and your wife, Morgan Halboth Scott ’13, really meet at TCU chasing a goat?
TS: Yes! Morgan and I met at the ever so wonderful Frog Camp out at the Greene Family Camp as facilitators for different small groups. During the challenge camp, there were different ways to earn points. As a joke, the organizers mentioned the animals on site and points for getting close to “capturing” them. Morgan and I started out in a big group of about 15 people chasing a goat. Slowly people left until it was just the two of us. We weren’t really in it for the goat.
How has your time at TCU contributed to your success?
TS: TCU from the faculty, to Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, to Chancellor Boschini himself were all eager and helpful in coming up with plans for me to get my education and pursue my dreams at the same time. I will always fondly look back on my time where I never settled but boldly took on everything I wanted to achieve.
What do you love most about being a Horned Frog?
TS: I am thankful for my time at TCU and can still remember the feeling on campus where anything was possible.
Anything else to add?
TS: I am eager to be TCU’s first ever karate Olympian!