5th February 2019

Matt Bush is on top of the world after making history at the Para Taekwondo World Championships in Turkey.

In doing so the Welsh heavyweight became the first GB Taekwondo male to win a Para or able-bodied world gold medal.

And Britain could double up its success in Antalya tomorrow (Wednesday) when reigning champion, Amy Truesdale, defends her world title.

Bush, who fought in the K44+75kg category, kept his nerve after his final bout against Russian Zainutdin Ataev went to overtime.

With the scores level at 8-8 following the regulation rounds, the Welshman struck the decisive blow.

“I wanted this for my team and Great Britain,” said the new champion who previously competed in shotput and javelin before turning to mixed martial arts and ultimately taekwondo.

The 6’5” powerhouse, who competed at the 2017 Para Worlds in London, now hopes to qualify for next year’s Paralympic Games in Tokyo when taekwondo is included for the first time.

Bush’s win over Russian Ataev was his fourth victory of the tournament.

He reached the final with a 12-3 victory against German Hasim Celik after previous wins over two-time world champion Asghar Aziziaghdam of Iran and Turkish home favourite, Taner Tan.