Williams Bids For Taekwondo Jackpot

Lauren Williams will chase the biggest prize of her career as she bids to hit a £52,000 jackpot in China.

The Gwent star hopes she will be inspired by team mate Bianca Walkden’s trail blazing success at the second World Taekwondo Champions’ Grand Slam event on Saturday.

World number one Walkden won the heavyweight title and the record breaking £52,000 first prize at last weekend’s inaugural competition in Wuxi.

Now, it’s the turn of 2016 European Championship gold medallist, Williams.

“I haven’t been as confident going into this competition,” admitted the 18-year-old European Championship gold medallist from 2016.

“However, seeing Bianca take away the gold medal has given me that extra bit of motivation

“I need to get myself in the right headspace to put in the best performance I can. So, it has made me a lot more excited to compete.

“Being a part of the Grand Slam series is a huge honour. To think that I am among the “best of the best” after the journey I have had is incredible.

“It only sunk in a few weeks ago that even some of the top top players haven’t been able to qualify for this event.

“Knowing that I am here amongst the ones who have is like a dream come true.”

Walkden aims to put her winnings towards a new house. And Williams says the money on offer is a major draw.

“Getting a big prize like this would mean more to me than I can explain,” added the double world junior champion, who lived in a caravan with her mum when first joining the GB programme in Manchester as she was too young to stay by herself in a flat.

“My family and I have sacrificed a lot to get me to this position. So, to be able to start getting recognised and rewarded for such work over the years is phenomenal.”

Williams is also excited by the prospect of competing in the exciting new tournament that aims to raise taekwondo’s profile.

“I love a big atmosphere in the stadium,” she said. “It really does drive me to perform in front of a bigger crowd.

“It reminds me of fight nights I used to have in kickboxing where all eyes were on you and everyone was shouting for at least one fighter.

“It’s a good vibe and gives you a really good buzz. That energy during a fight is why I love the sport.”

Wales’ double Olympic champ Jade Jones will chase the cash jackpot on January 20.