The National Championships took place at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield on 5th/6th October. Quest Taekwondo was represented by a team of 8 athletes:
- Ryder Craven-Smith
- Matthew Lindley
- Charlie Johnson
- Izzy Lodge
- Henry Hunter
- Betsy Walker
- Xander Dodd
- Eliot Craven-Smith
Unfortunately Ryder was injured before the event and had to withdraw attending in the capacity as Assistant Coach.
Matthew had an amazing tournament giving a top class performance, winning 3 matches to become British Champion.
Charlie had prepared well but had a tough match in the quarter finals and went out to the eventual finalist.
Izzy gave 3 great performances losing a close final to take silver.
Henry had the biggest category in Male Cadet -33kg and overcame some strong opponents across 3 matches, taking bronze in the semi finals. Overall a very successful day.
Hugo was unable to compete this year but attended both days as team mascot.
Betsy moved up a weight category but was in awesome form in her opening matches. The semi-final just proved a step too far but was a great sign of things to come. Another well deserved Bronze medal.
Xander had his first competition in Advanced Category and it was a baptism of fire. It was a massive learning experience and he's definitely a talent for the future.
The second day of competition saw just one team representative, Eliot. She had a long wait for her first match but was in devastating form gapping her opponent in both rounds. Though she won the first round of her semi-final match she unfortunately had to settle for bronze.
Thanks to International Referee Richard Ullyott for officiating in the UK for 2 days.
The event was well organised and the venue is both a good venue and geographically convenient. Congratulations and thanks to British Taekwondo.
Finally great to see Olympic Silver medalist and GB and Quest's Caden Cunningham.
