Eleven countries sealed Rio spots over two days in Aguascalientes ©WTF

The Dominican Republic claimed two more quota spaces for Rio 2016 as the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) Pan American Qualification Tournament concluded in Aguascalientes in Mexico today.

Two men's and two women's weight categories were contested on the final day at the Gimnasio Olimpico IDEA, with both finalists in each gaining their country an Olympic berth.

Katherine Rodriguez earned the Dominican Republic their first place by winning the women's over 67kg class, with runner-up Crystal Weekes gaining a spot for Puerto Rico.

The country then won a second gold as Luis Pie triumphed in the men's under 58kg, with a final victory over Colombia's Oscar Munoz who has also qualified.

Rodriguez and Pie's success follows up from Moises Hernandez earning a spot for the Dominicans yesterday, following his second place in the men's under 80kg.

Today there was also joy for American Paige McPherson, who won in the women's under 67kg final with success over Melissa Pagnotta of Canada.

Paige McPherson was one of three Americans to earn Rio berths
Paige McPherson was one of three Americans to earn Rio berths ©Getty Images

The United States joined the Dominican Republic in qualifying three taekwondo players, after Steven Lopez and Stephen Lambdin were successful in the men's under 80kg and over 80kg respectively yesterday.

In the men's under 68kg class today, there was success for Venezuela as Edgar Contreras defeated Chile's Ignacio Morales who can also look forward to the Brazilian city in August.

Fifty-five countries have now qualified taekwondo players for Rio 2016 in all, with Aruba earning a spot for the first time in Aguascalientes yesterday.

“The Pan-American Qualification Tournament was a wonderful event and really reminded us all just how competitive taekwondo is in the Americas," said WTF President Chungwon Choue.

"With 11 countries securing Olympic qualification, including Aruba for the first time in their history, we can be proud of the work we have done in developing the sport in the region but we know there is still room for further growth.

“Taekwondo is truly a sport for all and is practiced by millions of people globally.

"There are already 55 countries that have secured Olympic qualification for Rio 2016 and there will be many more after the Asian Qualification Tournament next month.

"I have no doubt that the millions of taekwondo fans around the world can expect a thrilling and truly global Olympic competition in Rio.”