Moray schoolgirl targetting taekwon-do Olympic glory after being accepted into world class performance academy
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AN Elgin schoolgirl has taken a big step towards realising her Olympic dream after being accepted into Team GB’s Taekwon-do World Class Performance Academy in Manchester.
Adele Williamson (17) applied for the elite senior programme last year having already been heavily involved with the junior programme.
That saw her travel from Moray to Manchester twice a month for training sessions.
However, the Olympic prospect has now made the move to Manchester to train as a full time athlete.
“It really hasn’t sunk in yet,” she said.
“When I got the email through I couldn’t believe it.
“I’ve just moved in this week and I still can’t believe it to be honest.
“It’s what I have worked so hard for, so the change hasn’t been too difficult.
“I’m just delighted more than anything.”
To start, Williamson will train two times a day from Monday to Friday every week. That includes a taekwon-do session in the morning followed by a rigorous strength and conditioning session in the afternoon.
That hectic schedule doesn’t even include school work that the former Elgin Academy pupil still has to complete as she works towards sitting her exams later this year.
“I do have to juggle all that around,” she said.
“The training is very intense and it is demanding but it’s what I need to do.
“It’s going to get progressively tougher as well but I’m ready to take on the challenge.”
Williamson has already proven herself at the junior level - winning bronze at last year’s European junior championships in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
And, although this year’s competition schedule hasn’t been set, her ultimate goal remains the same.
“My main aim is to win gold at the Olympics down the line,” Williamson added.
“That’s the dream for every athlete who wants to compete at the Olympics.
“I’m aiming for the games in 2028 in Los Angeles.
“I know that’s going to take some hard work and a lot of dedication but that’s exciting to me and I’m more than ready to commit to that.”
Williamson was an accomplished kickboxer when she was younger, even winning a few competitions.
However, she switched to taekwon-do owing to kickboxing not being an Olympic sport.
In a remarkably short period of time she has established herself as one of the most promising taekwon-do athletes in the country.
She said: “It’s kind of mad. Since I transitioned from kickboxing I knew it would be hard.
“To say that I’m here in so little time and that I’m now training as a full time athlete and working towards the Olympics is just crazy.
“I’m really proud to say that I’ve taken the first step in trying to achieve my dream but it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my family and my parents.
“I really can’t thank them enough for all their support over the past few years.”
