It’s all systems go for Great Britain’s Taekwondo stars according to performance directory Gary Hall, who says his athletes are gearing up for a huge year of competition.
With selection for Rio 2016 the ultimate goal, the World Championships in Russia around the corner as well as the European Games in Azerbaijan, there is plenty to keep the athletes busy.
Seven members of Hall’s squad – including London 2012 bronze medallist Lutalo Muhammad – are in action at this weekend’s US Open, although Olympic champion Jade Jones’ competitive debut this year is delayed.
However, Hall says Jones can build on a stellar 2014 and that the whole team is ready for an action-packed 12 months.
“Jade enjoyed a fantastic year in 2014. She is now in the gym working on new things and that work is key to her,” Hall told GB Taekwondo.
"We know she doesn't need to go crazy. She just needs to be at her best for the majors and her major this year is the World Championship.
“The whole team-athletes and staff-are getting focused to the importance of this year. Any ranking points earned are going to be of maximum value.
"We have got 19 months left of an Olympic cycle and this 12 months will be a big springboard to anyone who has real aspirations for Rio.
"We have sent a team to Greece, we have got a team at the US this weekend and another squad going out to Bosnia at the end of the month.
"Straight after there are tournaments in Turkey, we're going to Luxor like we did last year and the Dutch Open. We then have training camps for final preparations for the World Championships.”
© Sportsbeat 2015