Since para taekwondo debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games where Amy Truesdale won Bronze in the +58kg competition, she attended her second Paralympic Games in Paris this year representing Great Britain, becoming Paralympic champion in the +65kg taekwondo event. In May, Amy became European champion at the 2024 European Taekwondo Championships in Belgrade, repeating her success from the 2015, 2016 and 2017 European Championships. Last year, Amy became the World champion for the third time at the World Para Taekwondo Championships, and in the same year, she became the Grand Prix champion. Recently catching up with Amy, we found out from her about becoming Paralympic +65kg taekwondo champion in Paris this year, how it was attending her second Paralympic Games and what it was like becoming European and World champion for para taekwondo.
At your second Paralympic Games this year in Paris, you became the Paralympic champion in the women’s +65kg taekwondo competition, how different did you find the experience in Paris opposed to Tokyo?
The experience was different because in Tokyo we could not leave our accommodation and did not stay in the village, however, this time we had the full Paralympic experience of staying in the athletes village and, more importantly, had the support of a crowd, which was amazing.
What was it like preparing for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and how was it being part of ParalympicsGB?
The preparation was really good. I had some solid competitions with great results beforehand so this was a valuable time in preparing for the Paralympic Games.
How did you feel going into the +65kg final and then coming away with the Gold medal and as Paralympic champion?
It was a dream come true. It’s a moment I have imagined many times over the years. It was the last medal I needed to complete my taekwondo career so I’m so pleased my years of hard work and sacrifice paid off and I was able to showcase my sport to the world.
What did you enjoy most about staying in the athletes village and attending the closing ceremony?
There were loads of chill-out spots. The cafeteria was 24 hours so we could get food whenever we wanted (I made the most of the desserts) and it’s always fun exchanging pin badges with other countries!
How was it competing at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where para taekwondo made its Paralympic debut, which saw you win Bronze in the +58kg taekwondo competition?
It was a very organised competition and we were well looked-after, however, it was a very quiet and closed off competition due to COVID.
The competition itself was good, however, the result was very difficult for me to process as I was devastated with the outcome as I did not demonstrate my full capabilities on the day.
In May, you won Gold at the 2024 European Taekwondo Championships in Belgrade, having previously been European champion in 2015, 2016 and 2017, how did this feel?
I was really pleased to become European champion. The field of play has improved within taekwondo and so has the increase in participation. It was really good that I got the opportunity to fight some athletes that I have not come up against before.
After becoming European champion, I felt I had an even better chance of becoming Paralympic champion.
Can you tell us about your time competing in Mexico last year at the 2023 World Para Taekwondo Championships and becoming the World champion for the third time?
Mexico was an amazing trip and I felt very focused and confident within my game plan. I executed strong performances through this competition and the Mexican in front of her home crowd in the final.
It was quite surreal to have made history again becoming the first British para athlete to become 3x World champion.
We understand you also became a Grand Prix champion last year, what was this competition like to be part of?
This competition is for the top 12 ranked athletes in the world so it was a privilege to be a part of and compete against the most competitive athletes within the division. I’m really pleased the Grand Prix have now been introduced to para taekwondo as they have been in Olympic taekwondo for a while.
How do you stay focused during major competitions and do you have a favourite aspect of representing Great Britain internationally?
I focus on the areas which are in my control and try and stay present within the moment.
What are some of your stand-out highlights of your taekwondo career so far, and can you say about some of the other competitions you’ve competed at over the years?
I think becoming World champion in 2017 is definitely the biggest highlight of my taekwondo career. During this time, I was a self-funded athlete and working multiple jobs. However, becoming World champion and my continued medal success meant that I was a medal prospect for para taekwondo’s debut in Tokyo and therefore funding was received to support a world-class program. This is special to me as it has gone on to create opportunities for all the athletes and we now have a team instead of me flying the flag solo!
Where does your love of taekwondo come from and how did you get into it?
Being born with my disability I feel like I’ve always been a fighter. There’s lots of taekwondo skills that you can teach, but sometimes it is something innate within you. My parents encouraged me into martial arts as they wanted me to learn a life skill and to keep fit and keep out of trouble!
What does a typical training day look like for you?
A typical training day Is usually two training sessions per day. A kicking session in the morning, followed by a strength and conditioning in the afternoon. I catch up with other service providers during the week, such as physio and nutritionist.
Have you been given any advice over your sporting career so far that has stuck with you, and what advice would you give someone starting out in taekwondo?
I think the only advice that I was given was to just give it a go.
My advice to anyone starting taekwondo would be to ask people within the sport questions and get as much information as you can and never feel like you are asking a silly question (success leaves clues).
Give it your best shot.
And most importantly, enjoy it!
How do you like to spend your free time?
I try to relax and recover after training. However, I now have a hobby I love and go to a heels dance class once a week. I am also passionate about developing athletes and supporting them and achieving their potential so I really enjoy coaching and hopefully this will be a retirement plan for me.
Do you have any competitions coming up that you can tell us about or that you are targeting?
There is nothing confirmed in the schedule yet, however, there maybe a Grand Prix final at the end of the year.
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