Self funded Taekwondo fighters proving their talent at home and abroad

Self-funded and independently trained taekwondo fighters are proving their talent across Europe with a series of medal wins.

Slough’s Dion Richardson, Ryan Richardson, and Connor Kipping were gold medal winners at the World Children’s Taekwondo Champion- ships in February, and have continued to distinguish themselves at competitions at home and abroad.

Dion won gold at the Liverpool Open and secured a silver at the Capital Cup in London, before topping the podium again in the Dutch Masters event.

He also won a silver at the Welsh Open.

Ryan won bronze in Wales, claimed a silver at the Capital Cup and achieved the same at the Dutch Masters. Connor was a gold medal winner in Wales, took silver in Liverpool and took the title at the Capital Cup in London.

“These tournaments are always extremely competitive with the best players participating aiming to get selected for the British team which itself is achieving great success internationally,” said coach Andy Kipping.

“Using sports science, analysis and an enormous amount of personal commitment and courage from the boys, coaches and parents, we are hopeful that their goals can one day be achieved.

“The team train five days a week independently and sometimes twice a day and are self-funded and self- motivated.

“That is why the success is much sweeter.”