10th April 2021

Lauren Williams added to GB Taekwondo’s medal tally at the European Championships in Bulgaria, narrowly missing a third gold medal in her fourth Euro final.

Williams won three matches to reach the -67kg final but lost 13-10 to 23-year-old Croatian Matea Jelic.

The Welsh star added to compatriot Jade Jones’ gold 24 hours earlier and a battling silver for world champion, Bradly Sinden.

“For the first 10 minutes or so after losing I was gutted,” said Williams.

“But I am really proud of myself for getting this far and for what I have achieved.

“My preparation was far from ideal but I still made the final and got major experience again under my belt.

“So, I am happy and content with what I have done. And there is so much more to work on which I am excited about.”

22-year-old Williams reached the final with an encouraging 18-8 success over Turkey’s former world champion and double Olympic medallist, Nur Tatar.

“I came for gold but on reflection, I am more than happy,” she added.

“But I didn’t get to the ring alone. So, a huge thanks to my coach Mike Harvey and the guys you don’t see from strength and conditioning, physio and the psych team at GB Taekwondo. They were a massive support in the lead up to these championships.

“Now, it is time to go back, rest up and hit the ground running for the one when it really matters.”