The impressive Manchester Velodrome played host to The British National Taekwondo Championships on the 6th & 7th September. Returning taekwondo Olympian Aaron Cook also took part along with local club Wessex Taekwondo Association as well as nearly 70 other teams and nearly 500 players.  Wessex Taekwondo Association took a team of 9 players to the tournament consisting of 2 time British Champion Lottie Roberts, 2 time British champion Melissa Lamb and team mates Wayne Nelson, Kayleigh Broom, Abi Gray, Ellie Gilham, Chelsea Welch, Katy Lester and Arkan Byati. Wessex hoped that this year they could build on their success from last year with an even more dedicated team with targets to beat last years overall position of 10th place. First up on day 1 was Wayne Nelson and yet again he was not presented with a favourable draw, however he played a very good game only losing 4 – 1 to the eventual Silver Medallist. Next was Kayleigh Broom who really wanted to do better than her Bronze in the last 2 Years, in her first bout she showed great form brushing aside her opponent with ease, moving on to do the same in the semi – final, leaving only 1 person in her way of taking Gold, unfortunately nerves got the better of her and after giving a sub-par performance came away with Silver after losing 12 – 10 in a very closely fought match. Melissa Lamb came hoping to take Gold in the junior -42 category after winning gold in the last 2 championships as a cadet. Moving straight to the final Melissa played a tough match to eventually come out on top 3 – 1 retaining British Champion status! Lottie Roberts was up next against a very aggressive young lady but true to form won with some style taking the game 7 – 2, she moved to the final but unfortunately her opponent had to withdraw leaving Lottie with a walkover to gain her 3rd Junior Gold medal in a row. Day 2 it was the chance for the cadets to strut their stuff along with the 2 novice players Katy and Arkan. First up was Ellie Gilham beating her first opponent with some ease, she then moved through to the Semi-final again winning with some style, only to lose on golden point in the final taking a well deserved Silver medal. Next was Chelsea Welch who narrowly lost out in the final last year was determined to take Gold this year and take Gold she did dealing with an arch rival in the Semi then totally outclassing her opponent in the final 7 – 0. Abi Gray followed and also wanting to build on disappointment last year came out breathing fire and followed in Chelsea’s footsteps taking Gold with consummate ease. Arkan came next and although put in a spirited performance in the final lost to take Silver in the Novice -58kg category. Katy Lester entered the Novice -67kg category and stopped her opponent in the final again winning Gold. This gave Wessex 5 British Champions out of 9 players and an overall team placing of 6th truly making them the most successful team in the south of England. |