2nd December 2019

Doncaster ‘destroyer’ Mason Yarrow was GB Taekwondo’s golden boy at the European Championships in Dublin.

And the 18-year-old has spoken of his pride at standing on top of the podium for the first time in his senior career.

Mason, who represented Great Britain at the World Championships in Manchester, earlier this year, won five fights to claim the -58kg title.

He is the latest fighter from the South Yorkshire town to storm the taekwondo world, following in the footsteps of double world champion Sarah Stevenson and reigning -68kgs world titleholder, Bradly Sinden.

“As it is the first time I have won a competition and the national anthem played in the background, it was a very happy moment,” said Mason.

“I was proud of how I performed throughout the day. My father came out and watched me.

“He was really proud and happy with my performances throughout the day. My mum again was very proud and just happy that I managed to do so well in my final competition of the year.”

Mason was leading the final 35-20 when his Russian rival was disqualified.

“For me, the world championships are still the highlight of my year even though I didn’t medal.

“I was very happy with my performances and showed me that I was close to where I want to be.

“I have just got to keep on working and next time I can hopefully become world champion.”

Mason was joined on the Euro mats by heavyweight Jonathan Bangura and Hassan Haider. Londoner Jonathan unluckily went down 28-26 in his opening bout while Hassan lost 33-26 in the quarter-finals at -58kg.