Taekwondo star Lauren Williams managed to secure a bronze medal in the first round of the Taekwondo World Grand Prix held in Rome on June 1 – despite carrying a hamstring injury.
Williams, who hails from Blackwood enjoyed a notable scalp en route to the last four in the women’s -67kg division.
Her rivalry with reigning world title holder, Ruth Gbagbi, is usually eye-catching. And this latest head-to-head with her Ivory Coast opponent was no different with the European gold medallist winning on golden point.
Unfortunately for Williams her bid for another title ended in a 23-11 defeat to French rival, Weit Henin.
The 19-year-old said: “I am gutted. I had two strong performances in the last 16 and the quarter-finals though I started off poorly.
“On reflection, it has been a decent day considering the restriction I have had in training due to a couple of hamstring injuries.
“I am looking forward now to some time off. Now is the perfect chance to re-charge, rest-up and get ready for later in the season.”
Williams’ bronze in Rome follows her successful defence of her European Championship title last month in Kazan, Russia.
After a first round bye, Williams defeated Portugal’s Sofia Cruz 33-13 before knocking out Poland’s Anika Godel-Chelmecka 13-10.
Italian Daniela Rotolo was brushed aside 26-14 in the last four before gold was attained with a 14-11 win over Turkey’s Nur Tatar, a double Olympic medallist and a world championship winner last year.
The Blackwood star, who announced herself on the senior stage by winning the -67kg European title in Switzerland two years ago, entered the sport after a switch from kickboxing.
Well done this young lady in getting a bronze medal, it is good to see young people engaging in sports.
An excellent achievement