October 28 - UK Sport are continuing their review process with Britain's taekwondo organisations to help give fighters every chance of Olympic glory at London 2012 to build on the success of Sarah Stevenson (pictured) at the Games in Beijing last year.


Stevenson claimed a bronze medal in Beijing and is considered a serious candidate for a gold medal in 2012.

However, there remains some internal issues between the various disciplines over development and access to top-level competition.
                                                                                                                                                        Meanwhile, the introduction of a "Talent 2012: Fighting Chance" scheme, launched by the British Taekwondo Control Board (BTCB) and which offers combat athletes from all martial arts the opportunity to try out for Britain's taekwondo squad, is aimed at pooling the cream of the nation's talent, whatever their individual style.

A spokesman for UK Sport said: "UK Sport is fully aware of a number of issues between the different bodies involved in taekwondo in the UK.

"A review process began with these bodies in March 2009 and meetings with the various bodies are currently under way.

"We will therefore not comment further at this stage.

"It is clear that strong opinions are held by the various bodies concerned.

"UK Sport seeks to remain objective throughout this review process, while bearing in mind our key responsibility as investors in Olympic and Paralympic success.

"As part of our investment programme, the Talent 2012: Fighting Chance campaign will give talented British martial artists a unique opportunity to demonstrate their potential to compete at an Olympic Games on home soil."