Jade Jones is hopeful the Olympic-feel to the World Grand Prix Series finals will see her end a frustrating year on a high.
Although the season has promised much for Jones she has ultimately suffered heartache on three occasions, losing out on three Grand Prix titles to Spain’s world number one Eva Calvo Gomez.
However she has the chance to end 2014 in style as she is in Queretaro, Mexico, for the World Grand Prix Series finals for the -57kg competition.
And the 21-year-old Olympic champion is determined to score a victory over her rival before heading in to the New Year.
“It's been a hard year with many more competitions than we have done in the past,” said Jones. “With one ring it is going to be like a mini Olympics and I am buzzing for it.
“Taekwondo is one of the top sports in Mexico so I am sure there will be big crowds, shouting and screaming. Luckily there aren't any Mexicans in my event so hopefully they can shout fort me.”
Jones is one of eight current or former Olympic champions in action during the two-day competition in Queretaro, with London 2012 gold medallists Sebastian Eduardo Crismanich from Argentina and Italy’s Carlo Molfetta in the same competitions as Great Britain’s Lutalo Muhammad and Mahama Cho.
"It's been a long season with lots of fights; probably the busiest I have ever been," said Muhammad. "But I am ready to finish the year with a big bang and go for that gold medal.
"Competing at the Commonwealths and French Open gave me chance to try and execute a few different game plans. So I am feeling very sharp both physically and mentally and raring to go."
Cho added: "It's been a long season starting with Egypt back in February but now we are down to the last one.
"I have had some ups and downs but this is the biggie. This is the one we are looking to, to help us next year to get the best possible ranking for 2016.
“The Grand Prix is turning out to be the tournament I enjoy doing the most because it was the first big medal I got in 2013.
"I get a buzz when it comes to the Grand Prix because all the best fighters are here. Now, it's even tougher with only the top eight.
"But I love the challenge. I know these guys inside out and I've been putting a plan into place for this at the Commonwealth Championships and at the French Open.
"Now it is down to me to execute it. It has been a long journey but hopefully I can get the job done."
© Sportsbeat 2014