amie Lee only took up taekwondo six months ago – but she is already a national champion.
The Holy Cross Catholic High School student got involved in the sport through her grandma Lesley Gray, who found the 11-year-old a club on Facebook.
“I went to the Kicks Taekwondo club in Chorley and just enjoyed it,” said Year Seven student Jamie.
“I have already competed in a few competitions and I took part in the National Championships in Manchester.
“I compete at minus 48kg and I won my weight category despite only being involved in taekwondo for six months.”
Jamie now trains four times a week over around 10 hours. She also recently won a gold medal at an Open event in Bradford.
“I enjoy taekwondo because it releases energy, helps me relax and it’s fun,” she said. “I want to keep improving.”
Another Holy Cross Catholic High School student Ciaran Harnedy is part of Team GB’s Taekwondo squad which will be going to the Czech Republic in December to compete.
Harnedy, who is 13, has already competed in Belgium and Holland as he looks to progress in his sport.
“My dad used to do taekwondo for a while so I have been involved since I was five,” said Ciaran.
“I have been to various clubs in Chorley, Wigan and Doncaster but now I have a place at Liverpool’s Team Academy.
“I love taekwondo because it’s exciting and, when you start competing, your adrenaline is pumping,” said Ciaran who fights at minus 41kg.
“I have already won quite a few competitions and won the British nationals at my weight and got selected for Team GB at an assessment day in June.
“It’s an honour to represent your country and I will be competing in the 10 to 14 age category for Under 41 kg.
“My dream is to be the Olympic Champion although I now it requires a lot of hard work as there are so many people doing taekwondo.”
Courtesy of: Lancashire Evening Post