The job is only half done for Jordan Gayle this year with the Manchester taekwondo star aiming to impress in the 2015 World Grand Prix Series.
Last month, Gayle ticked off one of his targets for 2015 as he headed to the Russian city of Chelyabinsk for the World Championships.
Unfortunately results would not quite go his way though, as he lost his opening match 18-16 to Lorenz Chavez of the Philippines.
It was still a successful Championships for the team with three medals arriving while the momentum continued at the recent European Games where they won two golds and a bronze.
Gayle was a keen spectator for the latter having missed out on selection but he now starts turning his attention to the next big target – the World Grand Prix Series.
The first competition kicks off in Moscow on August 14 before further legs in Turkey and England and then the finale in Mexico at the end of the year.
The top 35 athletes based on their World Taekwondo Federation Olympic ranking get the nod, as well as an additional fighter from the host nation, with Gayle currently well positioned in the ranking table.
“This year was about two things for me, getting some points to get into the Grand Prix without needing the wildcard and also to get to the World Championships,” he said.
“I managed to go to the World Championships and I think I’m quite close to breaking into the Grands Prix now so hopefully I will have done both.
“I was aiming for a medal at Worlds but unfortunately that was not the case. I’m still feeling pretty confident.
“I’m very good technically and very good physically so it’s just about getting in the right mindset on tournament day.
“We’ve been to loads of different venues and the ring is the same no matter what country you’re in so it won’t really change anything for me.
“It’s always a good event and you are guaranteed top fights with the best taekwondo fighters in the world.”
Gayle will be particularly hopeful of gaining selection for the third leg of the Series which takes place at Manchester’s National Squash Centre from October 16-18.
And having experienced the vocal home support before, he can’t wait to get back out performing in front of his supporters.
“I’ve been lucky enough to compete in Manchester twice and it’s really good because your family can come and watch at one of the best tournaments,” he added.
“The crowds are always really good too because Manchester gets behind the sport so hopefully I’ll get on a little better this year.”
The World Taekwondo Grand Prix – featuring the very best Olympic and World Champions from across the globe – is coming to Manchester on 16-18 October. Experience the excitement, drama and electrifying atmosphere of this explosive Olympic sport with tickets now on sale at www.ticketmaster.co.uk/wtgp
Image courtesy of GB Taekwondo via YouTube, with thanks.
