30 August 2018
Para taekwondo world champion Amy Truesdale targeting historic Tokyo 2020
Amy Truesdale has won everything there is to win except for the one ultimate prize in para taekwondo – a Paralympic gold medal.
Topping the podium at the World Championships in 2014 and 2017 after winning bronze in 2009 and 2015, the 29-year-old is the current world number one in the K44 +58kg division.
And with her sport making its Paralympic debut in two years’ time at Tokyo 2020, the Chester taekwondoin is already dreaming of hanging a Paralympic gold medal around her neck.
But it’s not just for herself that Truesdale is looking to make history.
“When I found out that it was a Paralympic sport I was absolutely delighted,” said Truesdale.
“I think it’s more special that I will be the first athlete going to Tokyo as a Paralympic athlete so it’s extra special.
“I feel very proud. It’s not only good for disabled sport, it’s also good for women. I think it ticks both boxes. I think I am a good ambassador and a good role model for other people out there.
“When I found out that it was a Paralympic sport I was absolutely delighted.”
“Preparations are going really well. If it’s anything to go by, I am sure that 2019 will be a quick year again.
“Tokyo 2020 is just around the corner and as long as I am consistent in the major competitions and I stay in the top four I should qualify. If I continue with how things are going I will be in a good position.
“I think winning gold is my main goal. Winning everything else, I think that’s the next goal and it can’t get any better than that. That would definitely be the best outcome possible.”
Amy Truesdale
In a year that has seen victories at the European Championships, the Pan Am Open and the US Para Open, Truesdale is making perfect preparations for peaking in Japan, with last Saturday marking the two-year-to-go countdown to the next Games.
The entire British para team won medals in the Pan Am Open as recently as July, the secret to Great Britain’s recent success is not lost on their figurehead.
“I think we have got a lot of support from the other athletes, coaches and we have access to a lot of other resources,” suggests Truesdale.
“Even though it is an individual sport, we are still part of a team, so we can all motivate each other as we are all in the same boat.
“I think everyone pushes each other. If in training someone is a little bit tired, the others will help to pick them up and carry on.
“It’s a very demanding sport because it’s very tiring, so it’s good to have other people pushing you on.
“If you look at the able-bodied team we are excelling at every competition and I don’t see why it would be any different for the Paralympic team.
“We train in the same venue, we have the same access of resources and we share the same game plan. We want to push forward and excel within our area.”
Sporstsbeat 2018
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