Rising British taekwondo player Mahama Cho wants a fast start at the upcoming European Championships as he bids to prove experience counts for nothing in Baku.
The 24-year-old World Grand Prix champion reached the quarter-finals in the +87kg category on his last appearance in 2010, Saint Petersburg acting as the host venue on that occasion.
There he lost to eventual bronze medallist Alexandros Nikolaidis of Greece but has since returned to the GB Academy in Manchester after a spell living and training in France.
Cho was absent from the last European Championships in Manchester in 2012 but insists he can upset the odds – provided he finds his form early on in Baku.
“In Europe, we all know each other and the fighters on the continent are among the strongest in the world. So, it won’t be easy,” he said.
“There are tough players from Germany, Belarus, Russia and Italy who all have bags more experience than I have.
“I am one of the younger generation coming into the set-up, trying to push my way into the mix.
“First and foremost I need some really good performances and hopefully that should take me somewhere near the medals.”
© Sportsbeat 2014