13th February 2018

Big brother may be always looking out for Isobella McNeish but the London fighter knows she is more than capable of taking care of business herself.

And she aims to make her point along with the rest of a youthful GB Taekwondo squad at the Turkish Open in Istanbul this week.

Brother Christian has already tasted success this year winning gold at the recent US Open in Las Vegas.

“I love seeing my brother do well as a fighter and I love watching him fight in general,” says Isobella.

“I feel he is really entertaining and that it’s going to be a good year for him.

“I’m proud of him regardless of his medals. Seeing him medal motivates me greatly.

“But it also definitely causes me to put even more pressure on myself to medal as I want to be just as successful.”

McNeish, who won a bronze medal at the French Open last November, missed out on a podium place at last week’s European Club’s Championship at the same venue.

Now, she’s keen to make amends. “Training has been tough but really beneficial,” she says.

“I feel like I have improved so much since the French Open a few months ago.

“The Turkish Open will give me a chance to fix mistakes and put new skills to practice.

“I made a few mistakes which cost me a medal at the Euro Clubs’ which I have definitely picked up on.

“I’m just going to capitalise on what I have learned and use it to my advantage.

“When I am in the ring I listen to my coach and block everything else out.

“I try to keep calm and my nerves under control otherwise I may crumble.”

After their Euro successes last week Max Cater (silver) and Jack Spall (bronze) are in good form to double up their medal wins.

Schedule:

Tuesday, February 13

Male:

-58kg: Cameron Booth (Nottingham), Max Cater (Lewisham), Hassan Haider (Falkirk), Luke Jones (Flint)

-68kg: Jacob Barnett (Baildon)

Wednesday, February 14

Male:

+87kg: Jonathan Bangura (Newham), Brandon Jewell (Southampton), Jack Spall (Attleborough)

Female:

-57kg: Isobella McNeish (Plaistow), Emelye O’Brien (Bradford)