SHELLEY martial arts star Tim Needham has taken a huge step towards achieving his dream of competing for Great Britain in taekwondo at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

The 14-year-old has been selected to represent Great Britain in the European Championships in Portugal and will head to Porto for the event to be held September 26-29.

Needham recently became Austrian A Class champion to add to silver and bronze medals won in Germany and Spain, respectively, which has led to the GB selectors giving him the strongly contested -45kg Junior position on the team.

Needham’s success has seen him ranked No1 in the UK, No2 in Europe and ranked in the top five in the world in his class.

Coach Kathy Hook (Team Ultimate), herself a former Olympic competitor from the Barcelona games, said: “Tim works really hard, training twice a day five or six days a week.

“This has brought some great performances along with the success he deserves.

“Tim is one of the favourites now and one to look out for in the future.”

Needham will begin studying for his GCSEs next year at Shelley Academy and, as well as school and training, he also has a part-time job, with all he earns going to help fund his taekwondo travels.

“It’s worth it when we get to travel Europe and compete at the highest level,” said the teenager.

“Without the support and encouragement of my family, in particular my dad, I could not have achieved this and I want to say thanks to my coach Kathy for all her hard work and support.

“Also to Mosy, who has allowed us to train at Premier Taekwondo in Huddersfield, which has given us great facilities and help.”

Tim has a training camp in Korea with his GB teammates for two weeks during the summer and has regular trips to the GB training base in Manchester.

Needham is self-funded, and his father Alan said: “Funding is a real issue for young athletes with other countries providing much more than we can in Britain.

“British athletes have so much talent which is in danger of being lost without support.”

Needham is also looking for sponsorship from local companies and anyone interested in helping can contact his father Alan Needham on info@7needhamtkd.co.uk or 07590 080162.