Taekwondo

Taekwondo news

Caden Cunningham – I’ll take any challenge in front of me

written by Hugh

There are many different routes into athletics and a career in sport, but from
the tender age of six years, Caden Cunningham was clear in his belief
of wanting to take part in the Olympics in the sport of taekwondo.

That mental focus at such a young age is indicative of how passionate and
determined Caden is to succeed at whatever challenge he accepts.

Still only 21 years of age, Caden’s view, and one echoed by all the taekwondo
practitioners interviewed by TheSportFeed, is that sport compromises of a
strong mental approach (70%?) allied to a physical conditioning and strength
element (30%,).

That mental determination was exhibited by Caden during the World
Championships (Nov 23) where he snapped his anterior crucial ligament
(ACL) during a bout. That debilitating type of injury can occur in many sports
with the injured party considering their long term future welfare, so departing
the field of play.

Caden decided to get the knee strapped up and continued the contest which
eventually won.

The lay off saw him plummet down the rankings and recovering from such a
horrid injury is never easy.

Symptomatic of his Yorkshire (Caden is from Huddersfield) grit, the challenge
to succeed spurred him on to win the next European Championships and see
him selected for his.

Quite willing to take a kick to the (protected) head, Caden, along with many
other several other athletes from the taekwondo organization, went across to
Korea, the country of origin of the sport.

With the relatively small number of people in the taekwondo competitive
circuit, familiar styles are encountered. Yet in Korea, according to Caden,
you will always come across an unknown who “can kick you in the head.”

For somebody who pursues a modelling career, that’s a bit of a strange
approach to take but he does not allow that to detract from the fact he wants
to become an Olympic champion and he’s cycle of preparation is completely
focused on that.

He thrives on the support of the family, making sure he can reflect this in turn
by draping the many medals he has won around the neck of his many nieces
and nephews.

For someone used to getting hit, Caden is also finds time to be a clothes
model, revealing more of his willingness to embrace new opportunites.

A new challenge for him might be on the musical horizon with the – yet to be
formed- taekwondo orchestra. Rebecca McGowan has played the trombone.

Bradly Sinden can play tuba/guitar so Caden is 100 % behind becoming lead
vocalist.

Let’s hope they’ve got plenty of victory tunes to play in Paris 2024.

Ged Camera

@cadenluiscunningham
@bradlysinden
@rebeccamcgowantkd
@britishtaekwondo
@beth_munro23

23rd July 2024 0 comment

Taekwondo

Beth Munro – Sport can be life changing

written by Hugh

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

22nd July 2024 0 comment

Taekwondo

Bradly Sinden – “I’m going to treat it like any other day”

written by Hugh

Question: What you get if you cross data science and artificial intelligence with an ability to
kick people?

Answer: Bradly Sinden, an Olympian who’s getting himself prepared to represent the UK in
taekwondo sub 60Kg category.

Having narrowly missed out on the gold medal at the Tokyo games, Bradley is a person
completely focused on achieving gold at the Paris Olympics.

His preparation are meticulous, even to the extent of, at a young age, giving up playing
football so that he wasn’t leaving himself open to injuries that would affect his preferred sport.
Olympians can get to visit various exotic places such as Rio, Tokyo, etc. but it’s not always
possible to enjoy and fully indulge themselves in the experience.

For example, in Tokyo, Bradly was unable to attend the opening ceremony because of the
impact any effects of dehydration would have had on his body, especially if he was stood
around or walking in the heat for such a long period of time.

For Paris the taekwondo team will not be leaving until the 4th of August and the first bout will
be on the 8th, whilst other categories will be on the 10th. All the rounds for a weight division
will take place on one day.

That does not mean the Olympians are just turning up and paying a flying visit; it will allow
them to focus and hone their training back in the UK, working with carefully selected
opponents from around the globe who can actually pose new challenges.

Bradly’s approach to preparation is that as soon as he gets there, the local supermarkets etc.
will be sought out to allow him to source is nutritional requirements. Again, it’s the attention to
detail in order to help him in his objective of a gold medal that’s contagious.

He’s aware though that you can’t put yourself in a bubble and not take part in any physical
encounters for a month or so. Hence the workouts and simulation days at the UK
Taekwondo centre in Manchester.

It does not mean though that athletes will totally miss out on the opening parade and
celebrations. The centre will be hosting an opening day celebration, which will allow
completions and the all important support teams and coaches that will not have departed, to
meet up, see their family, and experience the actual opening ceremony albeit not in person.

That event will contribute towards the camaraderie and a sense of togetherness which is all
too essential for supporting athletes on their long road to hopefully winning a medal.
Constantly pushing yourself for Bradly also means progressing in the educational field. So, in
October he hopes to start a Masters in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

This parallel path doesn’t mean that his taekwondo career will be over after Paris, more that
he recognises an athlete’s career maybe abruptly, unexpectedly, shortened by injuries.
So it’s necessary to have a plan B, even outside of competition.

One thing Bradly could potentially develop as part of a backup discipline, would be as a
player in the, yet to be formed, taekwondo orchestra. Featuring Bradly on tuba or guitars,
Rebecca Magowan on trombone and Caden on vocals let’s hope they will be playing “We are
the champions” some time in August in Paris.

Ged Camera
@cadenluiscunningham
@bradlysinden

21st July 2024 0 comment

Taekwondo

Rebecca McGowan- I will travel 500 miles

written by Hugh

Whilst most 16 year olds may be thinking about what pubs/clubs they can sneak into,
Rebecca McGowan was making a life changing decision. From her much loved
home in Dumbarton, Scotland, she travelled the 500 + miles south to England in order
to continue a career in Taekwondo, one started when she was about 4/5.

With the essential support from her family, the transition to her new base has reaped
rewards.

Having travelled to Tokyo ( 2020 ) as a reserve, Paris will be Rebecca’s first Olympics
as a competitor in her own right.

She is completely focused on succeeding and overcoming any obstacles that may
appear in a path. A couple of broken ribs at the World Championships merely made
her more determined to attain success in the long run. Like another member of the
taekwondo set up, Caden Cunningham, she also tore her anterior-cruciate ligament
which led to a long period of recovery, but has displayed the mental resilience
required to keep moving forward.

That determination and focus to win that she displays, is typical of all the other
taekwondo athletes in the competition and goes a long way to explaining the ethos in
the organization and why it has done so well at accumulating medals in various
championships including past Olympics.

Working with her coaches, Rebecca has designed a program specifically tailored to
aims for the Paris Games. This task has included recruiting fighters who can mimic
the style of her opponents, bringing them to the UK Taekwondo centre in Manchester
for regular bouts.

Her aim is to find those tiny micro improvements that can ultimately lead people onto
success.

Rebecca’s view is that she has seven (virtual) arrows in her locker, meaning that she
has seven goals to focus on and she has to make every one count.

Not dwelling on what she can’t do, her objectives are clearly defined beforehand.
To this extent, planning ahead has involved combining a part time degree at Salford
University from 2 to 7:30pm a few days a week, allowing her to concentrate on her
training methods earlier in the day.

A musical career is unlikely to follow although as she is a bit rusty on the trombone,
but talk of a taekwondo orchestra, which could involve fellow taekwondo competitors
Caden Cunningham and Bradly Sinden may be a way of celebrating hard fought
efforts and hopefully their medal haul this summer.

Ged Camera

@cadenluiscunningham
@bradlysinden
@rebeccamcgowantkd
@britishtaekwondo
@beth_munro23

20th July 2024 0 comment

Taekwondo

Olympic Medallist Sarah Stevenson MBE launches fitness challenge

written by Hugh

Sarah Stevenson MBE, Great Britain’s first Taekwondo Olympic medallist is launching a new fitness challenge, giving sign-ups access to live and on-demand workouts with Sarah herself.

Six Weeks With Sarah, which begins on January 17^th and is now open for sign-ups, offers individuals a rare chance to train with an Olympic medal-winning athlete. Those who sign up will have access to three live sessions a week, over 120 on-demand workouts for all ability levels, weekly check-ins and accountability with Sarah as well as a personalised daily calorie target and a Six Weeks With Sarah Recipe Book. Those joining the challenge will be able to ask Sarah for tips, advice, and motivation at any point during the six weeks.

The six-week-long challenge costs £10 a week and individuals can now sign up here.

Since she retired from competitive Taekwondo in 2013, Sarah has been focused on coaching and training others, and by using what she’s learnt, she has tried to create a programme that aims to give her clients the personal trainer experience from the comfort of their own home. Sarah’s challenge aims to set each individual on the right path to a healthier, happier lifestyle through her five rings of success: goal setting, fitness, nutrition, accountability and resilience.

Sarah commented:

“Listen, we all know this is the time of year when a lot of us are feeling like we’ve definitely overdone it, myself included! So that’s why I want to help people shake off those January Blues and spend six weeks getting their minds and body right so they are ready to smash the year ahead! Start as you mean to go on!

I’m not going to go on about the last couple of years, but, we’ve all had a lot to focus on and sometimes, our own mental and physical health has become less of a priority, and understandably so. But 2022 is the year of YOU! Time to focus on yourself and become a healthier and happier person and I want to help in any way I can, which is why I am launching Six Weeks With Sarah. I’ll be with you every step of the way, whether it’s to spur you on or give you a kick up the arse, whatever you need to reach your goals, I’ll be there to help.

We all need to spend more time focusing on ourselves and making sure we’re okay, so, make sure you’re well-rested, well-fed and well knackered from whatever exercise you can squeeze in. Stop worrying about everyone else and start doing right by yourself!”

11th January 2022 0 comment

Para Sports Taekwondo

Amy Truesdale – history-making taekwondo fighter seeks Paralympic redemption

written by Hugh

Amy Truesdale is a British para taekwondo pioneer with multiple World and European titles having made her the sport’s first major star in the pre-Paralympic era.

At Tokyo 2020 she aimed to build on her legacy by adding Paralympic gold to her impressive list of titles as the sport made a Games debut.

The fighter would come away with bronze, which was still an impressive and significant achievement and added to the silver medal won by team-mate Beth Munro in Tokyo.

However, even three months on the 32-year-old is still frustrated by the result.

She aims to begin her journey towards “redemption” at the World championships in Turkey this weekend. The Women’s Sports Alliance (WSA) caught up with her ahead of the event.

Q – Amy, you helped make British para-taekwondo history in Tokyo, how do you look back on the Games and your bronze medal now?

“Obviously I went to Tokyo and was a great experience but I’m very disappointed with the results and that’s something I’m still trying to deal with.

“I was the favourite going into it, World champion, European champion, it was the only medal I needed. I think I was quite scared other people would define me on that one medal and not my previous achievements, but people have been really supportive. This isn’t the end of my journey I’ve lots of other opportunities, the world championships soon, followed by the Europeans in May so I still have something to train for.”

Full interview available – https://www.wsportsalliance.com/news/amy-truesdale-seeks-paralympic-redemption-at-taekwondo-worlds?mc_cid=681f500a85&mc_eid=d79399c2cb

26th December 2021 0 comment

Equestrian Gymnastics Swimming Taekwondo Triathlon

Team GB in Tokyo: Six medals added to record tally on day four

written by Hugh

Team GB won gold and silver in the same race in the pool for the first time since 1908 as Tom Dean and Duncan Scott completed a British 1-2 – a result that was just the beginning of an historic day four at Tokyo 2020:

• Dean and Scott make history in the swimming

• Charlotte Dujardin joins greats Grainger and McKane Godfree

• Georgia Taylor-Brown fights back from flat tyre for triathlon silver

• Women’s gymnastics surge to bronze in team final

• Bianca Walkden puts disappointment aside to get taekwondo bronze

• Coming up on day five: Rowing, Rugby Sevens, Cycling

British 1-2 continues swimming success

Where Adam Peaty led, Tom Dean followed. And Duncan Scott wasn’t far behind either.

Almost exactly 24 hours after Peaty’s 100m breaststroke masterclass, Team GB delivered the most remarkable encore.

In the men’s 200m freestyle, Dean beat his fellow Brit on the touch to become a surprise but far from undeserving Olympic champion, while Scott was left with the familiar feeling of taking home silver.

Not since 1912 had more than one British swimmer departed an Olympic Games laden with gold and not since 1908 had Team GB secured a swimming one-two but both droughts were broken in spectacular style as the duo surged from behind with 50 metres to go.

Dean said: “I contracted COVID-19 twice in the last 12 months, I had six or seven weeks out during an Olympic year which is almost unheard of.

“When I was sitting in my flat in isolation, an Olympic gold seemed a million miles off.”

READ: Shell-shocked Dean overcomes double setback

Five Olympic medals for Charlotte Dujardin with team bronze

Charlotte Dujardin became Britain’s most decorated female Olympian of all time with her fifth medal in Tokyo.

She helped Great Britain claim a team equestrian dressage medal for the third straight Olympics – adding a bronze to their gold and silver from London and Rio.

It means Dujardin joins rower Dame Katherine Grainger and tennis player Kathleen McKane Godfree on five medals, with her three gold medals the most of the trio.

Defending champions Germany proved just too strong again and the USA scored marginally better to drop Dujardin, Carl Hester and Charlotte Fry down to third – the same podium as 2016 with just the one switch of places.

Dujardin said after her record-breaking bronze: “It’s always a huge honour just to come to an Olympic Games and represent your country.

“To come away with another medal is just absolutely unbelievable. I feel so proud to be here, we have such a fantastic team – it’s unbelievable.”

READ: Five-star Dujardin back in the record books

Taylor-Brown has the run of her life to bounce back from puncture

Georgia Taylor-Brown conquered a flat tyre to claw back incredible Olympic silver in the women’s triathlon.

The Mancunian lost 22 seconds after a mechanical failure on the final lap, leaving her fifth.

But she bridged the gap to bronze in little more than a kilometre and caught USA’s Katie Zaferes with a lap to go to claim a remarkable medal on Olympic debut – just weeks after being injured in the build-up to the Games.

Taylor-Brown said: “About a week before we flew out I had to prove I was fit to compete, which was probably more stressful than today because it could have been taken away from me.

“But I proved I was fit, ready to go and did more than they asked me to do. I had to go in to today relaxed and that I’d done everything I possibly could, and I left everything out there.”

READ: Injury and puncture can’t halt Georgia Taylor-Brown

From seventh place at halfway to historic bronze

Team GB’s artistic gymnasts won a first women’s team Olympic medal since 1928 after delivering a spectacular performance to battle back for bronze in Tokyo.

A medal looked unlikely after the first two rotations but a brilliant comeback on the vault and uneven bars saw Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova, Alice Kinsella and Amelie Morgan leapfrog Italy and Japan.

Morgan held her nerve with a superb uneven bars routine at the end to score 14.033 and there was a nervous wait before confirmation of a medal arrived, sparking jubilant scenes.

They finished with a combined 164.096, just 0.458 points more than fourth-placed Italy.

Jessica Gadirova said: “It’s a dream we never thought come true. I never thought this was possible but it’s happened – I don’t know what to say.

“We each played a massive part and altogether, we just did it.”

READ: The kids are alright in artistic gymnastics

Last-gasp loss denies Walkden gold medal chance but she rallies for bronze

Bianca Walkden is already looking to Paris after landing her second consecutive Olympic bronze.

The world champion and world number one was edged out in her 67kg semi-final in a close and cagey contest with South Korea’s Lee Da-bin – who overhauled Walkden’s lead with a high-scoring head kick in the very last second.

But she picked herself up to win the bronze medal match against Poland’s Aleksandra Kowalczuk, maintaining a narrow advantage throughout before securing a 7-3 victory.

She said: “I’m glad I came away with an Olympic medal but it was not the colour I trained for or expected.

“I gave my heart and soul in that semi and was a little bit unlucky with some of the decisions.”

READ: Walkden rallies to taekwondo bronze

Road cycling, rowing and rugby sevens on Day Five

Team GB’s rowers will be hoping swimming’s success in the water converts to glory on the water as medal events get underway at the Sea Forest Waterway.

Four British crews have a chance at Olympic glory, while Helen Glover must come through her women’s pair semi-final to defend her crown with action getting underway at 1:00 BST.

Anna Shackley is the sole British hope in the women’s time trial race at 3:30 BST after failing to finish in the women’s road race where compatriot Lizzie Deignan ended in 11th.

Geraint Thomas and Tao Geoghegan Hart will go for gold in the men’s time trial at 6:00 BST, the pair have recovered from a collision on the road race and Thomas will hope to improve on his ninth place in Rio.

The men’s rugby sevens team must conquer New Zealand to reach the gold medal final and are in fine form after a stunning comeback against the USA in the semi-finals.

The silver medallists from Rio 2016 came through their group with two wins and one defeat and take on the All Blacks Sevens at 11:00 BST.

27th July 2021 0 comment

Taekwondo

Lauren Williams adds to Day 3 medal rush with Olympic taekwondo silver

written by Hugh

Lauren Williams secured Team GB’s fifth medal of Day 3 with Olympic taekwondo silver in the women’s -67kg.

The 22-year-old was leading the gold medal contest by three points with 10 seconds to go but ultimately lost 25-22 to Croatia’s Matea Jelic.

She follows in the footsteps of gold medallists Adam Peaty, Tom Pidcock and diving duo Tom Daley and Matty Lee, and triathlon silver medallist Alex Yee by finishing on the podium.

Williams is the second Team GB taekwondo medallist of Tokyo 2020, following Bradly Sinden’s silver on Sunday.

“It’s not enough. I know it’s not enough, I had her with ten seconds to go. I messed up, I made a mistake and it’s on me,” said Blackwood fighter Williams, 22.

“I didn’t go out there to lose, I went out there to win, I tried my best in that situation and it just didn’t happen on the day.

“I’m very happy with how I performed all day, it’s gutting in the last ten [seconds]. But an Olympic silver medal, it’s not bad is it?

“I’ve not had the best preparation at all. But that’s not an excuse, I felt good coming here today, I’ve had injuries, I came out to the Games late as well which damaged my prep.

“But as soon as I got here, I hit the ground running and I was pretty confident going into today, so I’m happy.

“It’s been absolutely crazy. For my first Olympic Games, it’s been insane. A very good experience, and thanks to The National Lottery for getting me out here, I wouldn’t be here without you.

“A big thank you to the people at home. It’s been a very good day.”

26th July 2021 0 comment

Taekwondo

Bradly Sinden wins taekwondo silver in Tokyo

written by Hugh

Bradly Sinden became the second male taekwondo player in Team GB history to win an Olympic medal after securing silver on Games debut at Tokyo 2020.

Sinden followed in the footsteps of Lutalo Muhammad, Olympic silver medallist at Rio 2016 and bronze medallist at London 2012, as well as his hero Sarah Stevenson, who won bronze at Beijing 2008.

The 22-year-old from Doncaster lost out to Uzbekistan teenager Ulugbek Rashitov in a thrilling -68kg gold-medal match, going down 34-29 in the final few seconds of the contest.

Sinden had pulled the fight back, trailing 18-14 after two rounds before taking the lead in the third and final round. Rashitov landed a turning kick and then another kick to the body in the closing stages to win the contest.

The silver is Team GB’s second medal of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, following on from judoka Chelsie Giles’ bronze earlier on the second day.

“The feeling right now is just disappointment, it was my gold medal to give away and it’s a hard one to take,” said Sinden.

“I’m gutting and hard when you get silver, when you win gold or bronze you get to celebrate but you don’t with silver.

“I’ll reflect on this and be proud of what I’ve achieved in these last five years, from having no ranking points to becoming world champion and winning an Olympic silver.

“It was my gold medal to give away – obviously he is a good fighter, I just made a few mistakes. I think I got unlucky with a few things as well but that is taekwondo.

“I knew what time was left and I thought I was controlling it well but he reacted well and caught me.

“I thought he was on the back foot. You have to commend him for what he did – a few mistakes from me, well done to him.”

Sinden has only just finished competing in his first Olympic Games but he already has eyes on the future.

He added: “You’ll see me again in Paris, I’m just getting started.

“Sometimes you learn more than defeats and I’ll be taking that learning curve into Paris and hopefully I can go one better.”

25th July 2021 0 comment

Taekwondo

Five taekwondo athletes selected to Team GB for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

written by Hugh

The British Olympic Association (BOA) has today named the five athletes that will represent Team GB in taekwondo at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Double Olympic champion Jade Jones is named beside returning Olympians Bianca Walkden and Mahama Cho and debutants Bradly Sinden and Lauren Williams.

Jones made history by becoming Great Britain’s first ever taekwondo athlete to win gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games before going on to become a double Olympic champion at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games four years later. The Welsh -57kg fighter has become one of Team GB’s most acclaimed female athletes and her medal success has only continued in recent years. Jones claimed the gold medal at the 2019 World Championships and took the European crown for a third time in April this year.

Heavyweight fighter, Walkden has had an impressive medal tally over the years and made a name for herself by becoming the first Great British taekwondo athlete to take the World Championships crown three times. Also a triple European champion, the Liverpool-born, +67kg category athlete will make Tokyo her second Olympic outing where she will look to build on her bronze medal win at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Adding to the side’s experience is longstanding member of the GB Taekwondo team, Cho. The +80kg fighter qualified to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by winning the European qualification tournament in January of that year, but missed out on medalling by finishing fourth. The Londoner gained his first major medal (silver) in 2017 at the World Championships, followed swiftly by a gold medal win at the World Taekwondo Grand Prix Rabat.

Debutant Lauren Williams switched from kickboxing to taekwondo after being inspired by teammate Jones at London 2012. The Welsh-born -67kg category fighter struck gold at the European Championships in 2016 and in the same year was selected as a reserve for Rio 2016. In 2019 Williams won her third consecutive European Championship gold medal and recently claimed silver in the 2021 edition of the event.

Completing the line-up is Doncaster fighter Bradly Sinden, best known for his historic win at the 2019 World Championships where he landed the title of Great Britain’s first male world champion. As well as claiming the top spot at the 2015 Junior European Championships, Sinden won his first senior major medal (bronze) at the 2017 World Championships, followed quickly by silver success at the World Taekwondo Grand Prix that same year.

On selection, Team GB Chef de Mission for Tokyo 2020, Mark England, commented: “It is with great pride that we welcome this group of athletes onto Team GB for the Tokyo Olympic Games. This is an extremely strong team; a double Olympic champion, an Olympic bronze medallist and a triple world and European champion – amongst various junior and European titles – is extremely impressive and demonstrates the strength of talent this sport has.

“As we move ever closer to qualifying more female than male athletes for the Games for the first time, it is fantastic to name three very strong and experienced female athletes within this team. The blend of returning Olympians and debutants is very exciting and we have no doubt that they will inspire a new generation of boys and girls from Tokyo this summer.”

GB Taekwondo Performance Director, Gary Hall said: “It is the largest number of athletes that we have ever qualified. With the Games in Rio we sent four in total, but this is the first time that we’ve had the entire group qualify via world rankings only.

“Within the team, we have three world champions (Bianca Walkden, Jade Jones and Bradly Sinden) along with two other fighters (Mahama Cho and Lauren Williams) who are currently ranked in the top six of the world and have significant medal success under their belts.

“It is an incredibly strong and experienced squad. Not only that, but we have a great staff and coaching team supporting them too.

“We’ve prepared the best we can, but still have more preparation to do. We have a brilliant plan for when we arrive in Tokyo with replica rings and we will be as best equipped as we can be.”

Great Britain Taekwondo team for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games:

Bradly Sinden (-68kg)

Mahama Cho (+80kg)

Jade Jones (-57kg)

Lauren Williams (-67kg)

Bianca Walkden (+67kg)

1st June 2021 0 comment

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