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As the dust settles from the incredible action we saw in Wuxi, we take a look back at the first major Championships of the LA Olympic cycle.
New Records, New Faces:
The World Championships was the perfect live action, high-pressure test that helped push GBT athletes at an international level and convert months of training into performances on the mat. The two medals from Lauren Williams and Caden Cunningham, only tell part of the story; for many members of the GBT squad, this was their first real exposure to the top-level competition within the new Olympic cycle.
There was no shortage of lights, cameras and action, and the Wuxi crowd were treated to incredible matches across the week from some of the world’s best athletes.
Caden Cunningham’s Bronze in the men’s +87kg, marks the first World Championship medal of his career and was a great way to kick off the competition for GBT. He was able to deliver exactly the kind of performance the team hoped he would: fearless, athletic, and increasingly intelligent in how he manages big-moment fights. Despite some exciting shots against Egypt, Gabon and Uzbekistan, in his earlier matches, Caden’s chance at the finals ended with a defeat to AIN athlete Rafail Aiukaev.
Lauren Williams’ First Senior World Medal: Momentum Restored
Lauren’s run was one of the most exciting stories for GBT. Earning herself a Bronze medal in the women’s heavyweight (+73kg) division was a career pivot and a major morale boost for her LA journey. Competing in this new weight category, she looked sharp, confident, and physically at home.
Williams’ podium is a great testament to work she’s put in back at home, and more importantly, a statement that she can still produce elite results as she realigns her campaign toward the coming Grand Prix and Olympic windows.
Stepping in the ring with the actual best in the world…World Champions who are at the top of their Game was a proud moment for me. It was kind of surreal, so that’s definitely a highlight for me and hopefully I can take the win the next time.
Strong performances from Mathew Howell, Teigan Smith, Jodie McKew and Ruby Mackay, were particular highlights for the team, with plenty of exciting points scored across all their matches. For other members of the team, China was an experience that set the bar, highlights the work to be done, and fuels the desire to come back stronger.
The competition was an important step for the team, providing major championship experience, creating the opportunity to secure ranking points, and the chance to see first-hand the highest level of international Taekwondo performance. Thank you to everyone that has followed the team.
This was the first major event of the LA Olympic cycle and has been a real rollercoaster. Much of our focus was on ensuring that the team were optimally prepared and I would like to thank the coaching and support team for their commitment to the athletes and to delivering this mission. I am delighted for Caden and Lauren, and excited about the potential of our next generation of athletes. Whilst it is early in the LA cycle, it is positive first step, and great platform on which we can build.
-Garry Owen, Head of Athlete Performance
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