16th November 2021

Britain’s first three Paralympic Games fighters return to competition next month looking to end a momentous year for para taekwondo.

And after the near misses at Tokyo 2020, Beth Munro, Amy Truesdale and Joe Lane are keen to step up their bid for titles at the World Para Taekwondo Championships in Istanbul.

All three will be contesting different weights in K44: Munro (-65kg), Truesdale (+65kg) and Lane (-80kg).

For Liverpudlian Munro, the Turkish event from December 11-12 will be her first worlds after a whirlwind introduction to the sport over the past 12 months.

The 28-year-old made history by winning Britain’s first-ever para-taekwondo medal, quickly followed by teammate Truesdale’s own podium success.

“I am so happy to be back into the swing of things, training and getting ready for my first Para Worlds,” said Munro.

“It is so exciting leading on from the silver medal I won at the Paralympics.

“I am incredibly determined and focused. Hopefully, this time I can come away with a gold medal,” said Munro, beaten by Denmark’s Lisa Gjessing in the final of the K44, -58kg weight division.

While this is Munro’s world championship debut, Truesdale, 32, from Chester is aiming for a hat-trick of world titles having struck gold in 2014 and 2017.

She also took bronze at Tokyo 2020, shrugging off a semi-final defeat to defeat Iranian Rayeheh Shahab in the K44, +58kg repechage.

“I know what it means to Bianca Walkden to be a three-time world champion,” said experienced Truesdale. “But I am not putting myself under any extra pressure.

“It’s a new weight for me so that will bring new challenges. But it’s great to be back in competition and I will be trying my hardest as I always do.”

Londoner Lane, 23, was a late call-up into the ParalympicsGB squad, replacing injured heavyweight, Matt Bush, a world title winner in 2019.

However, he was selected for the worlds two years ago and is determined to return with his first major medal.

“I can’t wait to get fighting at a new weight,” said Lane. “After the buzz of my first Paralympics, this is another opportunity to showcase my skills, so I am extremely excited.

“This is also the beginning of a new cycle towards the Paris 2024 Paralympics, so it is important I maximise all chances to show what I am capable of and to pick up ranking points.”