10th December 2020

Lauren Williams is ready to end a “challenging year” on a high note as British fighters head to Bosnia for the European Championship Olympic weights competition (December 10-11).

Welsh star Williams didn’t compete at the recent Euro Clubs event in Croatia and her appearance tomorrow (Thursday) marks her first and last appearance in 2020.

She is part of a 9-strong GB Taekwondo squad including world champions, Bradly Sinden and Jade Jones. The duo collected medals in Croatia with Sinden winning gold.

“I’m really excited to be fighting again,” said 21-year-old Williams, back in action for the first time since the World Grand Slam in Wuxi nearly 12 months ago.

“I was keen to do everything I could to compete, as I know it is my only chance at something competitive for 2020.

“If I can put together a relatively good performance off the preparation I’ve had, I’ll be incredibly proud.”

Williams, a triple European champion and twice junior world champion, last medalled at the ‘extra’ European Championships in Bari in November 2019, taking gold at -67kg “It’s been a challenging year but lockdown itself was actually a very positive experience for me, I loved every minute of it!

“It made me challenge myself and push myself because no one was there to do it for me.

“Everything was on me, I had complete control over my training and I loved it. I came back feeling so refreshed.

“I was definitely physically and mentally stronger. It’s taught me to appreciate the things I have so much more than what I ever did before.

“I always took the little things for granted, but not anymore. It changed me. I came back like a different person.

“Having a relatively clear calendar was a blessing in disguise for me, I feel like the pause button needed to be pressed.”

Williams returns with extra resolve to attempt to make the team for the Tokyo Olympics next July.

“Competitions like this one in Bosnia will be the perfect opportunity to practice my game plan. You can’t beat competitive situations.

“You can try and simulate it in the gym. Nothing though is quite like the pressure of a tournament, so I think competitions like this are incredibly important.”

Squad:

Male:

-68kg: Bradly Sinden (Doncaster)

-80kg: Caden Cunningham (Huddersfield)

+80kg: Jack Spall (Attleborough), Jonathan Bangura (Forest Gate)

Female:

-49kg: Maddison Moore (Blakedown); Jordyn Smith (Falkirk)

-57kg: Jade Jones (Flint)

-67kg: Lauren Williams (Blackwood)

+67kg: Rebecca McGowan (Dumbarton)