Tony Grisman Profile

Name: Tony Grisman

Born: 16.07.85

Weight Class: -68kg

Hometown: Mansfield

Taekwondo Club: Khang Man Taekwondo, Mansfield

Trains: Elite Academy Gym, Manchester

Major Awards:
British National Championships 2009 – Gold
Belgian Open 2009 – Bronze
Korean Open 2009 – Silver
British Open 2008 – Gold
Austrian Open 2008 – Silver
Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships 2006 – Gold

How did you first get involved in Taekwondo?
My Dad took me to a class at my local leisure centre when I was 13 years old.

When did you join the elite academy?
October 2006

What has been your greatest experience so far within the sport?
Travelling all over the world with the team and seeing different cultures.

What are your targets for 2009?
To do my best and perform well at the World Championships.

What are your targets for the future?
I want to be an Olympic Champion in 2012.

Who inspires you within Taekwondo?
Paul Green.

Outside of Taekwondo, who is your sporting hero?
I have several. David Beckham, Mohammed Ali, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Ricky Hatton, Lewis Hamilton, Steve Redgrave.

If you had not chosen Taekwondo, which sport would you be playing?
Football without a doubt, they make so much money!

If you had not become an athlete, which career path would you have followed?
Site joiner. I used to work on a building site for 3 years before joining the Academy.

What is the best thing about being a professional athlete?
Doing something I love everyday and having the opportunity to make myself better.

What do you enjoy most about academy life?
I enjoy being around the team every day, focusing on my training and doing everything I can to perform in the next competition. I’m also a Manchester City fan so having the stadium across the road is great!

Do you have a skill that people wouldn’t expect of you?
I’m handy at D.I.Y!