29th August 2018 

GB Taekwondo performance director Gary Hall has paid tribute to the work of high-performance coach, Jinmi Choi, after confirming the South Korean’s departure from the programme.

Jinmi has worked closely with double Olympic champion, Jade Jones, and 2015 and 2017, World Championship gold medallist, Bianca Walkden, during her five years as an integral part of the Manchester-based, GB set-up.

She has also helped massively with the development of younger athletes including 2015 World Championship bronze medallist, Rachelle Booth, Junior World Championship bronze medallist, Rebecca McGowan and two-time European champion, Lauren Williams.

Confirming Jinmi’s return to South Korea for family reasons, Gary Hall said: “I would very much like to thank Jinmi for all her hard work and commitment to all the athletes, to the programme and for all the knowledge she has given during her time with us.

“It is never easy to work and learn a new language while living in a new culture so far away from home.

“But she has always sought to make a positive and motivated contribution and for that I am very grateful for all she has done.

“At GB Taekwondo, we have a fantastic team of experienced coaches and support staff and are confident, moving forward, of further success on our journey to the Tokyo Games.”

Jinmi’s highlights of her GB career include Jade Jones’ 2016 World Taekwondo Grand Prix final success in Baku and 2017 Grand Prix triumph in London, as well as, Bianca Walkden and Charlie Maddock’s victories in the 2016 World Taekwondo Grand Prix final.