There are many different entry points into sports such as taekwondo. Some
people get through it at an early age via a friend or a sibling who do it,
whereas others may enter at a relatively late age.
Beth Munro was supporting a friend at university who playing wheelchair
basketball, when the opportunity for Beth to take part in an athletics scouting
event came along. Because she had always had a sporting background in
and was up for a fresh challenge, she decided to enter.
At an age whereby and most people would think a career the sport will be
over the age in her mid 20s, she was selected and that led to her becoming a
taekwondo Paralympian.
Fast forward five years and she’s now preparing to represent the United
Kingdom at a second Olympics. Who said dreams can’t come true?
It’s a truly life changing event for Beth, and all for the better
In terms of preparation, a local event, such as Paris, is a relatively
straightforward affair. Getting on a plane, train or boat and being there within
an hour or two is a doddle compared to the 13 hour journey endured for
Tokyo in 2020.
The acclimatization adjustments of jet like getting your body clock in sync with
the new schedule is a lot more straightforward this time around. It also allows
a lot of family and back room support to travel the 800 miles or so, on a more
straightforward basis. That type of support can provide a contribution in a
series of micro advantages over other challengers.
A high contact sport such as taekwondo does require ensuring that the
backup support tean and their recommendations such as ice baths,
massages, treatment preparation, strapping of ankles before entering into
competition, need to be followed.
Again, it’s those tiny margins, which can make a massive difference, so much
so that Beth and others from the taekwondo team, flew across to Korea in
early July. Competing against unknown opponents is key to attempting to
manage the unexpected situations that will no doubt appear.
Attention to details such as those have probably accounted towards the UK
taekwondo organization being so successful in competition since 2013 .
There is a laser like focus amongst Beth and all the athletes, on the Paris
games that excludes looking past their day of competition.
Constantly keeping her options open, Beth may continue to operate in sports
area, or may decide to resume her work in the field of psychology where she
gained a master’s degree.
Whatever the situation we wish them all the best for their time in Paris.
Ged Camera
@beth_munro23
@cadenluiscunningham
@bradlysinden
@rebeccamcgowantkd
@britishtaekwondo