Paralympic Games
24 August - 5 September 2021

London stages thrilling Para Taekwondo Worlds

Great Britain win gold on home soil and big names miss out at the Copper Box 20 Oct 2017
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two female Para taekwondo fighters kick at each other
Amy Truesdale won gold for Great Britain in front of her home crowd at the 2017 Para Taekwondo Worlds
ⒸWorld Taekwondo
By Andrew Cross | For the IPC

“It hasn’t sunk in at the moment. There was a little bit more pressure because it’s a home tournament, there’s a lot more supporters, and there’s a lot more people you know. But I think I dealt with the pressure very well and the outcome is good.”

Surprising victories, athletes winning their second world titles and a record-breaking number of participant countries could be seen at the seventh World Para Taekwondo Championships at the Copper Box Arena in London, Great Britain, on 19 October.

Home crowd favourite and multiple-European champion Amy Truesdale, who was tipped for gold medal success, duly delivered as she beat Rajae Akermach in the final of the women’s K44 over 58kg after the Moroccan withdrew during the second round due to injury with the score 17-3 in the Brit’s favour.

“I’m absolutely made up!” said Truesdale. “It hasn’t sunk in at the moment.

“There was a little bit more pressure because it’s a home tournament, there’s a lot more supporters, and there’s a lot more people you know. But I think I dealt with the pressure very well and the outcome is good.”

In the men’s K44 over 75kg, there were shocks in the early rounds of the men’s K44 over 75kg as USA’s Corbin Stacey, ranked second, and Iran’s Asghar Aziziaghdam, ranked third, were eliminated in their opening matches.

Those shocks continued into the latter stages as favourites Evan Medell of the USA and defending champion Ivan Mikulic could not reach the top of the podium either.

The Croatian beat Medell in the semi-final but then lost to Russia’s* Aliskhab Ramazanov 35-19 in the gold-medal combat.

In the women’s K44 up to 58kg, Lisa Gjessing won her fourth World title to remain unbeaten at World Championships. The experienced Danish beat Russia’s Ayshat Ramazanova 34-9 in front of her two daughters.

“It’s so amazing (to win in front of my daughters). It is the best the feeling ever,” said Gjessing. “Four World Championship gold medals - that’s amazing!”

Spain’s Alejandro Vidal Alvarez did not let Bopha Kong continue his hot streak in 2017, as he defeated the Frenchman in the final of the men’s K43 up to 61kg. In another standout performance, Iran’s Mahdi Pourrahnama continued his domination in the men’s K44 up to 75kg, winning World gold.

London welcomed over 260 athletes from 59 countries, with their skills being showcased to the world.

Full results are available on World Taekwondo’s website.

*Editor’s note: The International Paralympic Committee suspended the Russian Paralympic Committee on 7 August 2016 for its inability to fulfil its IPC membership responsibilities and obligations, in particular its obligation to comply with the IPC Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code (to which it is also a signatory). As a result of the suspension, Russian athletes cannot enter IPC sanctioned events or competitions, including the Paralympic Games. For further information please click here.