Last Updated on 31/08/2024 by Crip Life
Amy Truesdale is a World, European and Paralympic medallist and world number one in Para-taekwondo. She is set to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Our editor, Emma Purcell, got the chance to speak to Amy Truesdale back in 2021 about her disability, her career in taekwondo and her then preparations for Tokyo 2020.
Read: Matt Bush: Two-Time Taekwondo World Champion Aims For Gold In Paralympic Debut At Paris 2024
Chester-born Amy Truesdale has already enjoyed significant success in Para-taekwondo, with multiple World and European medals to her name including golds in the 2016 European Para-Taekwondo Championships and the 2017 World Para-Taekwondo Championships.
The 35-year-old was born without her left hand and forearm and was initially encouraged to take up the martial art by her father for self-defence alongside her sister, Chloe.
Amy secured a slot at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in 2019 courtesy of her European bronze medal that year and subsequent status as the world ranked number one. She went on to win a bronze medal at the Tokyo Paralympics.
At Paris 2024, she will be joined by taekwondo reigning world champion and Paralympic debutant Matt Bush and Paralympic silver medallist Beth Munro – who only began training full-time in the sport in 2019.
Amy, who successfully reclaimed her global title in Mexico in 2023, reacted to her Paris 2024 selection, saying: “I am delighted to be selected for my second Paralympic Games. I am going into the Games in a very good position and am looking forward to showcasing Para taekwondo to the world!”
Amy is also a keen advocate for disability sports and has made it her mission to raise awareness.
Read on to find out more about Amy Truesdale in her own words in this interview first published in August 2021 and scroll down to see her Paris 2024 results.
Amy Truesdale living with her disability
What was it like growing up with your disability and do you, or have you in the past, used a prosthetic hand or hook?
Growing up with my disability I was treated exactly the same as everybody else. I just had to find certain ways to adapt to do certain things.
When I was a child, I used to use a prosthetic. However, I have never used one since and I feel they are more of a hindrance to me personally. I was born with one arm so it’s like adding something that I’ve never had.
Do you face challenges with your disability?
The biggest challenge I faced with my disability is experiencing prejudice from others. I feel society comports judgements and limitations on you before they even know you or your abilities.
Amy Truesdale becoming an athlete in taekwondo
For anyone who may not know, can you tell us what taekwondo is?
Taekwondo is a form of Korean martial arts, in which each fighter attempts to knock out their opponent or score points by landing blows on their opponent’s body.
Olympic and Paralympic taekwondo have the same rounds, which are three two-minute rounds, and the aim is to score as many points as you can.
In Olympic taekwondo, you can kick to the head whereas this is a prohibited kick in Para-taekwondo so there are no head shots allowed and punches to the body are not scored, but Para-athletes can score additional points for more difficult kicks.
How did you first get into taekwondo and get up to elite level?
I started taekwondo at the age of eight as my parents encouraged me to start. I did a different style of taekwondo (semi-contact) for 22 years, which was against able-bodied athletes.
Once I had reached the highest level and became world champion, I then transferred over to full-contact Olympic-style taekwondo and again, competed against able-bodied athletes.
Eventually, Para-taekwondo was introduced, and I started that as a new avenue and opportunity.
Due to my consistent medal success, funding was received for a world-class program and that’s how I became an elite athlete.
What has been the highlight of your athletics career so far and why?
My highlight is becoming the World champion in 2017 in London and being the first person to qualify for the Paralympic Games. I am delighted that I will be making history by representing Paralympics GB at the games.
Amy Truesdale preparing for Tokyo 2020
How have you been preparing for Tokyo 2020 and do you still have concerns relating to the pandemic?
I have been fortunate enough to train at my regular facility throughout the majority of the pandemic.
Training has been full steam ahead and I am confident the relevant people have ensured all safety measures and procedures are put in place.
What are you looking forward to the most at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games?
I am looking forward to making history and receiving the medal I have worked so hard for over the past few years. I feel like it’s going to be extra special because it’ll be the first time we’re featured as a sport and I’m really privileged to be a part of it.
Amy Truesdale raising awareness for disability sport in taekwondo
Are you hoping that competing at Tokyo 2020 will inspire other disabled people to take up taekwondo?
I aim to inspire other individuals. By showcasing my ability to the world I really hope it will inspire all those with disabilities that they can achieve anything they want to in life.
What advice would you give to other disabled people considering taking up taekwondo?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, don’t put pressure on yourself and just enjoy it!
Follow Amy Truesdale on Twitter and Instagram.
Paris 2024 Paralympics: Amy Truesdale’s results
Amy Truesdale competed in her second Paralympic Games, hoping to improve on her bronze medal from Tokyo. She did – beating Guljonoy Naimova from Uzbekistan in the Women’s K44 +65kg, winning gold by withdrawal with a minute to go after catching Guljonoy with a head kick that was ruled unintentional.
The Chester fighter is the first ever to hold Paralympic, World and European titles at the same time.
On winning the gold, Amy said: “I don’t think its sunk in, I didn’t know what to do for a celebration. It’s the last medal I needed to complete my Para Taekwondo career. I’m Paralympic champion, I’ve made history I’m the first person to do it. I am so grateful for the support and I just need to cry on my own for 20 minutes after the medal ceremony. I had three hard fights today. People who know me after Tokyo, the hardest fight is the one that I have every day in my mind and I smashed that today so I’m grateful that was the fight that I won.”
Amy added: “I needed to be present and focus on my game plan, that was my target for the day which I’ve done. I feel like I need to look at the crowd, I was so focused on getting to the mat, I didn’t experience it, I didn’t want that to be a distraction. I just wanted to be on it and then get the atmosphere afterwards. I can’t believe it, it’s unreal.”
She went on to describe the support from her family: “Amy’s army! Bit of a military family so that’s the link to it. Its so crazy, they’ve not seen my fight for years. I’ve been in the sport many years so it’s amazing that they’ve been able to support me today.”
This article was originally published on Disability Horizons.
Check out another interview with taekwondo athlete Matt Bush.