Raw Taekwondo’s promising young Athlete, Lauren Dunsmore from Cumbernauld has just become British National Taekwondo Champion and successfully made it into round two of the GB Taekwondo team selections.

As part of Raw Taekwondo’s team of 5 travelling to the English institute of Sport in Sheffield, they took on the best in the country with around 1000 participants vying for top spot in their respective sparring division. Lauren was able to take Gold in her Cadets after some solid performances, Tony McNeill taking Silver in veterans, Josh Cannon took Bronze in seniors losing out in a fantastically contested semi final match, Aslan Soyusinmez (Cadet) and Thomas Kershaw (Veteran) gave brave performances exiting the competition in the quarter finals.

Raw Taekwondo recently welcomed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver medallist Bradly Sinden and European champion and Olympic hopeful Rebecca McGowan to the club to put their athletes through their paces and they have truly been inspired. Our Lady’s High School student Lauren is following in their footsteps with the GB selections process through their Talent Draft 2022 programme.

This is a fantastic achievement and big accolade for Lauren, who is only fourteen years of age. She was formally invited to take part in the selection event which is a way to find the next generation of athletes. The first selection event she attended took place in the sports full time state of the art facility for the GB Olympic team in Manchester.

At the event, she took part in sparring rounds with girls the same weight and age as her from across the UK. The athletes with the most ability, dominance and promise were invited back to re-visit the Manchester facility for another opportunity to impress the GB team coaches.

This time Lauren will have the opportunity to see what it’s like to spend more time at the athlete village and stay overnight in accommodation organised by the GB team.

Raw Taekwondo train at their full time facility in Westfield, Cumbernauld 7 days per week. If you’re interested in taking part in Olympic Taekwondo all information can be found on their website at www.rawtaekwondo.co.uk