Mahama Cho plans to use his Rio 2016 flashbacks to spur him on to bigger and better things in the new Olympic cycle.

And the road to Tokyo 2020 starts on Sunday for the ‘Stockwell Slayer’ when he competes for the first time this year.

The 27-year-old heavyweight is one of five male GB Taekwondo fighters competing at this weekend’s Moldova Open.

It’s his first tournament since the World Taekwondo Grand Prix finals in Azerbaijan last December and another opportunity to turn his Olympic disappointment into a positive master plan.

Cho was the only member of the Team GB taekwondo squad not to medal in Brazil, agonisingly finishing fourth after losing to home favourite, Maicon Siqueira.

“I have a few little day dreams about being back in Rio,” says Cho who will fight with 2015 World Championship silver medallist, Damon Sansum, at +87kg.

“It happens from time to time when I am sat at home or watching some fights. But it is a good flashback because I remember how far I went and what how close I was.

“It makes me feel I am close but not close enough just yet. The work I am doing is good work towards that.  I am hoping to add those finishing touches by Tokyo.”

Ivory Coast born Cho is now working with Steve Jennings and is keen to finally get his chance to put his training work into practice.

“I am excited because it is a good tournament to start back and get some ring time,” he confirms.

“Steve was my first coach and I have a good understanding with him. He has set me clear targets of what he expects from me.

“He is always pushing me for more and that’s exactly what I need right now.

“The physios, the medical team and the coaches are all playing their part to get me in the right shape.”

All five members of the Moldova bound team have been selected for next month’s WTF World Championships in South Korea.

Scot Sansum also returns to competition for the first time since last year’s Grand Prix in Baku.

But lighter weights, Max Cater (-58kg) Bradly Sinden (-68kg) and Christian McNeish (-74kg) have been involved in recent medal winning performances.

Schedule:

All athletes competing on Sunday, May 21:

-58kg: Max Cater (Southampton)

-68kg: Bradly Sinden (Doncaster)

-74kg: Christian McNeish (Plaistow)

-87kg: Damon Sansum (Elgin)

+87kg: Mahama Cho (Stockwell)