Tom with GB Taekwondo in Moscow

A few words from Tom about his recent experience away with GB Taekwondo at the first event of this years World Taekwondo Grand Prix series held in Moscow as part of there medical and physiotherapy support team.

This event brings together the Worlds best 32 fighters in each weight category battling to be the best.

The first day of the competition started well, for me the Olympic Champion from the Ivory Coast carried my heavy medical equipment into the venue which was very surreal! Bianca Walkden also dominated in the heavyweight division to get a gold medal for team GB!

I’m often asked what I get up too when away supporting teams and pro athletes. A big part of my role over the weekend is to be ring side for all of the fights. This involves being with the athlete and coach in the warm up area and the call room area (where they check in and get equipment for the fight). It’s here that you experience the athletes routine prior to the fight. Some like to chat and have a laugh, some want to be serious and focused and some have superstitions they complete before every fight; something you don’t want to disrupt!

This helps to explain the variety of my role at competitions. I’m there primarily to provide medical and physiotherapy support but a lot of the time is spent with the athletes and coaches preparing, recovering and trying to make it the most enjoyable experience for everyone!

A happy team generally makes a successful team!

An added bonus to the weekend was that we got a short two hour sight seeing trip before our flight home, not something we always get the luxury of doing!

If your team need some support in your events please get in touch here