Amy Truesdale and Matt Bush win gold in taekwondo at Tokyo 2020
- Amy Truesdale won gold in the women's K44 +65kg event after her opponent was injured.
- Matt Bush secured gold in the men's K44 +80kg event, marking a comeback after a previous injury.
- Their victories represent a historic moment for Great Britain in Paralympic taekwondo.
Amy Truesdale and Matt Bush made history by winning Great Britain's first gold medals in Paralympic taekwondo during a significant event in Paris. Truesdale secured her victory in the women's K44 +65kg category after her opponent, defending champion Guljonoy Naimova, was injured and unable to continue the match. Truesdale was leading 8-2 when the incident occurred, leading to a dramatic end to the final. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Truesdale expressed her joy at achieving her goal of becoming a European, world, and Paralympic champion all at once. Bush followed suit by winning the men's K44 +80kg event, defeating Russian competitor Aliaskhab Ramazanov 5-0. This victory was particularly meaningful for Bush, who had to withdraw from the Tokyo 2020 Games due to a serious knee injury. His triumph in Paris marked a significant comeback and a moment of celebration for him and his family, who were present to support him. Both athletes expressed their emotions after their victories, with Truesdale feeling overwhelmed and excited about her achievements. She also shared her aspirations to participate in the BBC dance show Strictly Come Dancing, highlighting her desire to embrace new opportunities following her success. The event not only showcased the athletes' skills but also marked a milestone for taekwondo in the Paralympic program, which was introduced for the first time at Tokyo 2020. The achievements of Truesdale and Bush are a testament to their hard work and dedication, inspiring future generations of athletes in the sport.