MEDAL SUCCESS FOR BRITAIN ON OPENING DAY OF EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ROME

Friday 11th April, 2008

British taekwondo enjoyed a successful first day at the European Championships yesterday, which kicked-off in the Italian capital of Rome. Britain has taken an eight-strong squad to Rome with four athletes competing yesterday collecting one silver and two bronze medals.

Caroline Fisher (Scorpion Taekwondo Club, Doncaster) won a silver medal in the woman’s -51Kg category by beating Israel in the semi-finals only to lose out to Brigitte Yague of Spain by 7 points to 2 in the final. Fisher commented, “Obviously I am disappointed to get to the final and lose out but I’m extremely happy to get a silver medal. Brigitte is a top class fighter and is now a four-time European Champion. I’ve worked hard for this medal and I must say a big thank you to my club coach in Doncaster , Peter Adamson, as well as the GB team who have supported me here.”

Louise Mair (Elgin Taekwondo Club, Scotland) and Tyrone Robinson (Puma Taekwondo Club, Mansfield) both took bronze medals, losing out to Azerbaijan and Turkey respectively. Mair, who lost her semi-final match by only two points having overcome Spain in the quarter final on sudden death, said, “It was a tough semi-final and most of my matches have been very close. The electronic chest protectors have proved difficult to score against compared to what I am used to but I’m pleased with a bronze medal never the less.”

Gary Hall, Performance Director for British Taekwondo, added, “I am really pleased with the way the team has performed today as three medals from 4 competitors is a good start. It is encouraging to see Caroline on the winner’s podium and making a name for herself which she thoroughly deserves. We’ve got 4 more players to compete over the next here days so let’s see how we get on.”

The squad taking part in the European Championships in Rome is as follows:



MALE



Romaine Bailey -54Kgs
Fusion Taekwondo Club, London

Tyrone Robinson -58Kgs
Puma Taekwondo Club, Mansfield

Martin Stamper -62Kgs
Elite Taekwondo Club, Liverpool

Davoud Etiminani -72Kgs
Fusion Taekwondo Club, London

Craig Brown -84Kgs Fusion Taekwondo Club, London

Adam Corrigan -84Kgs
Allen Taekwondo Club, London

Mohamma Cho +84Kgs
London



FEMALE



Louise Mair -47Kgs Elgin Taekwondo Club, Scotland

Caroline Fisher -51Kgs Scorpion Taekwondo Club, Doncaster