Sarah Stevenson Profile
Name: Sarah Stevenson
Born: 30/03/83
Weight Class: -73kg
Hometown: Doncaster
Taekwondo Club: Doncaster All Stars
Trains: Elite Academy Gym, Manchester
Awards:
World Championships 2001 - Gold
World Championships 2005 – Silver
European Championships 2005 & 2006 - Gold
European Championships 2002 & 2004 - Silver
Commonwealth championships 2006 – Gold
Olympic Games 2000 – 4th Place
Olympic Games 2008 – Bronze
How did you first get involved in Taekwondo?
My older brother first started in the sport at a young age, so when I was old enough I began going down to our local club with him.
When did you join the elite academy?
I joined the Elite Academy when it first began in 2006.
What has been your greatest experience so far within the sport?
There are so many amazing experiences I have gained from my sport. Travelling the world, meeting people and doing something you love on a daily basis are all amazing experience but nothing can beat the feeling of winning competitions. Winning is the best experience.
What are your targets for 2009?
I want to have a great World Championships in October.
What are your targets for the future?
For the moment I want to keep enjoying the sport with the view to eventually becoming a coach.
Who inspires you within Taekwondo?
My old coach and great friend Gary Bythes.
Outside of Taekwondo, who is your sporting hero?
I think Roger Federer is an amazing sportsman.
If you had not chosen Taekwondo, which sport would you be playing?
I’ve enjoyed athletics, or tennis. Neither as much as taekwondo though!
If you had not become an athlete, which career path would you have followed?
I’m not sure of the exact job I’d have ended up in but I think I would follow a career in which I could help others, especially children.
What is the best thing about being a professional athlete?
Any professional athlete should think of themselves as lucky to be doing something they are good at and enjoy full time.
What do you enjoy most about academy life?
Being able to enhance my performance through the structure we have around us. Being surrounded by professionals and specialist staff makes for a great atmosphere to perform.
Do you have a skill that people wouldn’t expect of you?
I am very skilled at looking after my two guinea pigs Abu and Zion!
