Taekwondo launch search for British gold medallist

GREAT Britain's taekwondo team have launched Talent2012: Fighting Chance to try and find an Olympic taekwondo gold medalist from the cream of British martial arts talent.

FIGHTING CHANCE: Sarah Stevenson claimed Great Britain's first ever taekwondo medal in Beijing (Getty Images)

It is the latest talent identification scheme to be announced, following the launch of Talent 2016: Tall and Talented last week, and will give those involved in other martial arts the opportunity to trial for the elite taekwondo squad.  

Sarah Stevenson claimed Great Britain's first ever Olympic medal with bronze in Beijing, while 17-year-old Aaron Cook finished fourth.

But the squad returned from the World Championships earlier this month without a single medal to their name, having set a target of three.

And performance director Gary Hall insists the programme will strengthen Team GB's medal hopes in three years time. 

"This is a one-off chance for combat athletes to achieve success when the Olympic Games come to London in 2012," said Hall.

"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."

Former three-time world champion Wayne Otto added: "Having won every major title out there, I would have given my right arm to have been offered the chance to represent my country on the Olympic stage."

"I would urge everyone that has the ability to achieve a goal of this magnitude to apply."