Spence was part of the USA Taekwondo coaching staff back in 2001, when she helped the national women’s team at the World Championships in Jeju, South Korea.

The American also used her experience to found the Female Athletes International Camp, which enables grassroots taekwondo athletes to train with Olympians.

She will now look to deliver USA Taekwondo’s high performance plan in her new post, which will include delivering key programmes and development strategies to strengthen the sport throughout the United States.

"I am excited to be a part of the US Olympic taekwondo movement," said Spence.

"My experience and passion for taekwondo and business will bring new ideas to help USA Taekwondo to succeed on the competitive world stage.

"It is my privilege to have the opportunity to contribute to the positive development and success of US athletes and I look forward to collaborating with the coaches, athletes, and members of the organisation."

Spence also brings considerable experience to the role as an athlete, in addition to her coaching experience.

The American finished as a bronze medallist at the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games, where taekwondo was a demonstration sport.

She also earned Pan American Championships gold in 1988, before claiming a World Championship bronze the following year.

Her performances saw Spence win the US Taekwondo Athlete of the Year award, while she served on their Athlete Advisory Committee and Executive Committee from 2000 to 2004.