Amy Truesdale has continued her stellar 2014 with selection for the both the able-bodied and para-taekwondo Commonwealth Championships in Scotland next month.

Truesdale, who won gold at the World Para Taekwondo Championships in Russia back in July, will also take part in the able-bodied event after claiming a silver medal at the National Championships in Manchester last month.

The 25-year-old from Hoole, who was born with the lower part of her left arm missing, lost out to British champion Jade Slavin in the -73kg category on that occasion, but is relishing the chance to go for glory on two fronts at next month’s Championships at the Meadowbank Stadium in Ediburgh.

The able-bodied Commonwealth competition is in its sixth year but Scotland will be the first time that para-taekwondo has appeared at the Championships.

“I’ve had a great year in 2014 to be picked for both the para and able-bodied events is a massive thing for me,” said Truesdale, who trains at Stoke UTA Taekwondo Club.

“I’m really proud as it’s the first time ever that para-taekwondo has been at the Commonwealths, so to have the chance to be a part of that is great.

“I don’t know who I’ll be facing in either of the events yet but I’m confident I can do well and I’ll be putting the hard work in to make sure of that.”

Amy Truesdale won gold at the Word Para Takewondo Championships in Moscow, Russia, earlier this year
Amy Truesdale won gold at the Word Para Takewondo Championships in Moscow, Russia, earlier this year

As one of the leading lights in para-taekwondo, Truesdale has been vocal in her support of the sport’s inclusion in the Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2020.

With a meeting set to be held later this month to discuss whether the sport will be included in Japan, with a final decision expected next year, Truesdale is hopeful that the recent success of the sport in the mainstream will prompt decision makers to give it the thumbs up.

“I definitely think that there is a really strong case for including para-taekwondo at the next Paralympics,” she said.

“The able-bodied sport has grown a lot since London 2012 thanks to the likes of Jade Jones (Olympic gold medallist) and I think that para-taekwondo is on the rise too.

“It would be fantastic if it were to be included, not only for me but the sport as a whole. I’m hopeful that they’ll make the right decision.”