With the Rio imminent, two Huddersfield girls are taking early steps towards their own Olympic dreams.
Aaliyah Powell and Charlotte Simpson, along with their Quest Taekwondo teammate Alex Foster, have been selected to represent Great Britain at the Cadet European Taekwondo Championships in Romania in September.
All three have strong medal chances going on their outstanding performances in British and European competitions this year.
Quest coach Mike McKenzie, who was the GB Olympic Sport Manager for London 2012, said of his team: “They all have real prospects of doing well and medalling in Romania.
“It’s great that they have been selected to represent Great Britain as Cadets. They all have outstanding ability and a good attitude towards training.
“I know all the top athletes in the world and if these three continue to progress as they are doing, I see no reason why they can’t achieve their goals.”
Asked about her sporting icons, Aaliyah said: “Olympic gold medal winner Wu Jingyu of China is double Olympic Champion and is the favourite to win in Rio in the under 49kg division.
“She is an amazing athlete and inspirational person. I don’t think I’ll get the chance to compete against her, but that would be my dream.”
Charlotte has a similar view, but of Great Britain’s Olympic gold champion from London 2012.
“Jade Jones is my favourite Taekwondo athlete and she is in the weight category I plan to compete in when I get to senior,” said Charlotte.
“I hope she doesn’t retire before I get to compete against her!”
Foster added: “My plans are to go all the way to the Olympics.
“We’re all still quite young but I think my Olympic weight category will be the under 80 kg men’s division.
“My hero is Steven Lopez of the USA, he’s twice Olympic champion and also won a bronze. He’s 37, so I think he will retire before I’m a senior.
“Aaron Cook may still be about, I’d like to compete against him.”
