13th July 2018

Great Britain’s Para Taekwondo athletes break new ground this weekend when they compete for the first time at the Pan-Am Para Championships in America.

A team of three Manchester trained fighters: Amy Truesdale, Joseph Lane and Matt Bush – will be in Washington for the competition which is another step towards qualification for the 2020 Paralympics.

And for Londoner Joseph he’s glad to be selected alongside ‘Aunty’ Amy.

“She is a role model to me,” says Joe who will be fighting at -75kg, K44 weight division.

“I look up to her for what she has achieved and what she has done for the programme.

“If I need advice or I am unsure about anything I can go to her. It’s great to have someone like that in the team.”

Joseph added: ”I am feeling happy because I am always excited to compete.

“It should be good experience especially as this is the first time we have competed in America as a team.”

And the feeling is mutual for world champion Truesdale. “I have been here a long time and done a lot of competitions,” she explained.

“So, it’s great to have other people on the team who are up and coming and doing really well.

“For me it is also important to have Andrew Deer as our coach. He has been through the athlete system.

“He knows what is relatable to train at a high intensity. And he knows how an athlete feels so he can adapt training accordingly.”

For Truesdale, the Pan Am Open is another opportunity to get back on top of the podium after missing out on gold at the Para Taekwondo Asian Open and Para Taekwondo European Championships.

“This is my first Pan Am Open so I am interested to find out who I am competing against and to make sure I get that gold this time.”

 

GB Para Taekwondo Team

Male:

-75kg (K44): Joseph Lane (London)

+75 kg (K44): Matthew Bush (Haverfordwest)

Female:

+58kg (K44): Amy Truesdale (Chester)