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Matt Bush secures European Para‑Taekwondo gold amid new fatherhood

BBC Sport •
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Matt Bush clinched Great Britain’s first European Para‑Taekwondo title in Munich, beating Croatia’s Ivan Mikulic 18‑16 in a bout that finished with a last‑second flurry. The Welshman, now a father of two, credits restless nights and juggling parenthood for the stamina needed to rise to the challenge.

Training under a tight schedule, Bush admitted sleepless nights hampered recovery, his main reset tactic. “I’ve got my little boy and my two‑year‑old girl, so it’s full‑on,” he told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, noting that adapting mid‑fight was key when Mikulic changed tactics in the second round. He also highlighted the support from his coaching team.

Switzerland’s Lauren Williams took silver, falling to Germany’s Lorena Brandl, while the British squad returned home with a haul of medals. The event, integrated with the Olympic programme, drew a sizeable crowd and showcased the depth of Britain’s Para‑Taekwondo talent.

Bush’s win, coming just two months after his second child, underscores the sport’s growing competitiveness and the athletes’ resilience. With the European title secured, Britain now eyes the upcoming World Championships, where the Para‑Taekwondo community will test their mettle against the continent’s best. Their performances set a benchmark for future European competitors.