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WASCO — While the Olympic torch is touring China, Wasco resident Selene Torres has a flame burning closer to home.

Her passion for tae kwon do has earned her a spot in the 2008 USA Tae Kwon Do Junior Olympic Championships in Detroit, Michigan, July 5.

“I can’t wait. I’m excited for the experience,” said Selene, 11, who began practicing tae kwon do at Wasco Tigers Tae Kwon Do studio in Wasco two years ago.

Selene — already a talented multi-sport athlete — was bored and wanted to try a sport that no one else in her athletic family had, she said. She demonstrated promise for the Korean martial art almost instantly.

“She’s one of the best students we have,” said Wasco Tigers owner Rigo Solorio. “She’s focused, she listens to her instructors, and she works very hard every day and in every class.”

Selene’s mom, Elsa, admits she thought her daughter’s fascination with the sport would be short-lived, but she was happily proven wrong.

“It brings out the best in her. When someone tells her she can’t do something, she tries harder,” said Elsa, who said tae kwon do has also dramatically improved her daughter’s self-confidence in all areas of her life.

For example, Selene is more involved in her church — St. John’s Catholic Church — and the straight-A student was named Student of the Year this past school year at John L. Prueitt Elementary School in Wasco.

Selene says she enjoys the sparring matches — and hanging out with the friends she’s made through the sport.

On the days when Selene isn’t practicing tae kwon do, she’s running two or three miles, according to her mother.

Out of the many tournaments she’s competed in, Selene has only won one silver medal — the rest have been gold.

“I’m in her corner. She’s my special angel,” said her dad, Victor Perez. “When she finishes competing, I get that first hug.”

Perez commended Solorio for his support and training of Selene. Tigers is sending a total of five students to the Junior Olympics — a big number for a small town like Wasco, Perez said.

Selene, although she’s just progressed to red belt, will compete as a blue belt, which was her level when she qualified in mid-April. So far, four other girls are registered in the same belt and weight class.

If Selene wins at the Junior Olympics contest, she will take away a medal — and a good deal of prestige.

“Of course, as a parent, you want her to win,” said Elsa. “But more importantly, you want her to have a good time. Winning would just be the icing on the cake.”