THE pioneer of para-taekwondo, Chester-born Amy Truesdale, has made history and achieved a bronze medal in the sport at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

It was the first time para-taekwondo featured in the Paralympics, and 32-year-old Truesdale bounced back from semi-final defeat to fifth seed Guljonoy Naimova of Uzbekistan, by beating Iranian Rayeheh Shahab to take her place on the podium.

The martial art of para-taekwondo has one key difference to Olympic taekwondo – kicks to the head are not allowed.

Truesdale, who was born with her left hand missing, had been doing taekwondo for 24 years and had an extremely successful career competing in able-bodied taekwondo, where she became a three-time world champion and international fighter of the year.

Truesdale was then presented with the opportunity to become a Paralympic athlete in 2009, when the first para-taekwondo competition was introduced.

At the time Truesdale, who was known as 'Kick-ass Amy', was living in Hoole and working for a shoe shop in Chester city centre, while training in Chester's Northgate Arena as a member of the Wirral and Chester Taekwondo School.

She consistently medalled and became a two-time world champion in 2014 and 2017, as well a four-time European champion, and was ranked number 1 in the world.

Her continued success secured funding for a world class programme.

Truesdale is based at the Olympic/Paralympic facility in Manchester and has been a professional athlete on the world class programme for four years.

As a result of her success, she has created opportunities and expanded the programme for new up and coming Para athletes.

She was the first person to qualify for the Paralympic games and has come home with a bronze medal.

Truesdale said: “Obviously I came for a gold. However, I am delighted I have made history and achieved a bronze medal at the Paralympic games.

"It’s extra special as it was para-taekwondo's debut. I have created so many opportunities for other athletes and it’s been amazing to see the programme grow.

"Next stop is Paris 2024.”

Speaking before the tournament, Truesdale acknowledged the support she received locally.

She said: "You always do get a lot of support from where you are from and the local area.

“I feel whenever I go back to Chester, you are a bit of a local celebrity.

“Everyone knows Amy because I do taekwondo. I think having that support is really beneficial for your performance.”