Aaron Cook leads British rebels to four Taekwondo gold medals
Last updated 10/3/2011 12:13:00 PM
Aaron Cook leads British rebels to four Taekwondo gold medals
Aaron Cook won his first title in the UK since quitting the British Taekwondo programme when he beat his countryman and fellow rebel Craig Brown 32- 11.
It was the fourth British gold medal of the weekend after Youth Olympic champion Jade Jones helped GB to three titles in a single day.
Cook's determination to go for gold in London was clearly shown when he quit the British programme and built a team of his own with top coaches and support staff as he looks for the sort of form which helped him win the 2010 European title as he claimed the number one position in the world.
"It was probably a must win match for me as we're both British guys going for an Olympic place," he said after his final.
"Working with my own team I'm now much happier, it's the right thing for me."
His change in direction came after an opening round defeat in the World Championships in May.
He said: "I've been travelling around the world to test myself again really strong sparring partners.
"I've been to America, Korea, I have a new strength and conditioning coach who used to work with Manchester United and all the extra fitness training is really helping me keep going in the tough matches."
The 20-year-old demonstrated plenty of his preferred attacking style - securing several high-scoring wins, including a 19-3 demolition of Portugal's Jean-Michel Fernandes.
After claiming the title Cook shouted 'help him' as he pointed to his opponent Brown, who is also outside of the GB programme.
Brown, who competed at the 2004 Athens Olympics, was dropped two years ago and funds himself through his 'Positive impact taekwondo project' in the London suburb of Peckham.
"It was quite tough to take as I felt I was still one of the stronger fighters in the programme," Brown.
"It's really difficult because I don't have any support, the club is all that I have and that helps me travel, but it's really small.
"I'm still getting to finals, but I just wonder how good I would be if I had sponsorship and more backing."
None of Sunday's medallists are part of the British Taekwondo programme but performance director Gary Hall insists he is happy with how the British fighters are shaping up less than a year before the London Olympics.
"I just want British players to be hitting the podium and that's what's happened.
"Let's not forget that Craig was with us for seven years and Aaron five years, so a significant amount of cash was invested in them.
"Should they be selected for Great Britain at tournaments they'll come back into the setup and be fully supported," added Hall.
GB Taekwondo's performance director also paid tribute to Saturday's gold medallist Jade Jones.
"She is a key athlete and has done really well this last year," he added.
"From junior to senior she's had little break and is continuing to win events against world class fields, which shows she's still improving."
Great Britain's fighters will return to action for the French Open in November and will be targeting the European Championships in May in Manchester, the last opportunity for British athletes to state their case for Olympic selection.