19th September 2018

Mahama Cho is determined to make up for lost time when he returns to action today (Wednesday) as part of a formidable GB Taekwondo squad competing at the World Taekwondo World Grand Prix in Chinese Taipei.

The 2017 World Championship silver medallist has fought sparingly this year but has big ambitions stepping back onto the mat in Taoyuan (September 19-21).

The third of five Grand Prix events this year also sees the return to competition of double Olympic champion, Jade Jones, and 2015 and 2017 World Champion, Bianca Walkden.

But first up is Rio Olympian Cho champing at the bit to get among the medals again.

“I have been out for quite a bit but rehab has gone well,” says the 29-year-old Londoner.

“I am back to where I was but at the same time, I’m very grateful to be in this position to compete again.

“People may be thinking otherwise because I have been out for a while. Am I ring rusty? Is he going to be the same again?

“Everyone is asking questions but I have never doubted myself.

“I have been in this position before,” said Cho, a gold medallist at the inaugural Grand Prix in Manchester nearly five years ago.

“The legs are good, the body is in shape and my mental frame of mind is where it is supposed to be.

“We don’t go there just to participate. You always want to be the best. You always want to win.

“I am excited. Training has been intense. As time has gone on my fitness is getting better, my match sharpness is getting better and I love challenges.

“This is what I love to do. This is what I am born to do. I love pushing myself to the limit and to see what I can do.”

London and Rio Olympic champion Jones has also restricted her competitive appearances in 2018. But she makes her return as reigning European champion and a winner of the inaugural Rome Grand Prix.

GB fighters have won six medals from the first two GP tournaments in Italy and Moscow, including silvers for Lauren Williams and Bradly Sinden who are also fighting in the Far East.

*Watch Olympic medallists Jade Jones and Bianca Walkden compete at the Manchester edition of the World Taekwondo Grand Prix, which is back at the Regional Arena from 19-21 October. Tickets are now on sale via http://www.kickingforglory.com

Schedule

Wednesday, September 19:

Male:

-68kg: Christian McNeish (Plaistow), Bradly Sinden (Doncaster)

+80kg: Mahama Cho (Stockwell)

Females:

-67kg: Lauren Williams (Newport, Wales)

Thursday, September 20:

Male:

-58kg: Hassan Haider (Falkirk)

Women:

-57kg: Rachelle Booth (Wigan), Jade Jones (Flint)

+67kg: Bianca Walkden (Liverpool)

Friday, September 21:

Male:

-80kg: Lutalo Muhammad (Walthamstow), Damon Sansum (Elgin)

Female:

-49kg: Jordyn Smith (Carronshore)