Hall happy to face tough choices

Team GB Taekwondo performance director Gary Hall admits his elite fighters continue to give him a welcome selection headache as the road towards London 2012 continues with the European Championships in Manchester.

The likes of world bronze medallist Martin Stamper, German Open winner Damon Sansum, Bianca Walkden and Welsh teenager Jade Jones will all be in action at Sportcity from May 3-6, along with Dutch Open champion Aaron Cook, who has been training outside the GB Academy fold.

Hall must then decide upon his final Olympic squad at two pre-selected weight divisions for both men and women.

Whatever the eventual quartet for London - which could yet include Beijing bronze medalist Sarah Stevenson, who is making steady progress in her recovery from a serious knee injury - Hall feels they will have the best preparation possible to deliver when it matters most.

"There are some big names in the European Championships and we have all our major fighters who are likely to be considered for Olympics selection in Manchester. It will be interesting to see how they respond," Hall said as he watched the squad get put through their paces at the GB Academy.

"Everyone is still in the mix, and when we sit down on May 10 it is a good headache to have because we have got some athletes who are really performing at the moment."

Hall, whose team returned a record four medals from the 2011 World Championships in Korea, added: "I am quite pleased with the progress. Injuries are always a challenge, but the team as a whole are pushing the performance boundaries and we can't really ask for any more than that.

"I know when they turn up down in London they will be well prepared and ready to fight. It is exciting and if you don't get turned on by what is happening over the next four months, then you are in the wrong game.

"Everybody is working really hard to give the performances which can deliver the Olympic medals they deserve."