Talent Transfer Targets Olympic Potential

 

UK Sport/ EIS - 22.10.09

With the London 2012 Olympics fast approaching, Sport Taekwondo UK and the UK Talent Team (a collaboration between UK Sport and the English Institute of Sport [EIS]) have stepped up their medal hunt with the launch of a groundbreaking initiative, Talent2012: Fighting Chance, which endeavors to mould an Olympic taekwondo gold medalist from the cream of British martial arts talent. The application process will close on November 30 on www.uksport.gov.uk/talent.

Britain did well in Beijing 2008, claiming the first ever British Olympic medal by wining bronze through Sarah Stevenson and adding a 4th place finish from 17 year old Aaron Cook.  

To support the future success of Taekwondo, the Talent 2012: Fighting Chance project is aimed at high achieving male and female combat athletes who are capable of transferring to Taekwondo and making an impact on the medal table in 2012. 

Sport Taekwondo UK and the UK Talent Team are confident that there are athletes not currently involved in taekwondo’s Olympic discipline who are capable of challenging for positions in the national team. Recent rule changes increasing points scored for kicks to the head will further enhance the opportunity for talent transfer.

Gary Hall, Performance Director of Sport Taekwondo UK, commented, “This is a one-off chance for combat athletes to achieve success when the Olympic Games come to London in 2012. It’s an exciting opportunity and something that we’ve been developing for some time.”

“The Talent2012 Fighting Chance programme complements our current talent development programme which is already in place. We are determined that this process will help develop the sport, unearth some world class talent and increase competition for places at the highest level.”

“We have considerable case study evidence to demonstrate that Talent 2012: Fighting Chance is the right approach to take, and we know there is no shortage of talented athletes out there who are capable of achieving international success at the highest level.”

The Talent2012: Fighting Chance initiative forms part of UK Sports overall talent development strategy that crosses several sports.

UK Sport’s Head of Athlete Development, Chelsea Warr, said: “UK Sport is committed to achieving top four in the Olympic medal table in 2012, and we are supporting the delivery of this initiative because we have seen the evidence and are convinced that we can fill current talent gaps within the sport, and create genuine medal opportunities in London.”