A Paralympic gold medalist visited a Stoke-on-Trent sports centre to support emerging athletes at her former taekwondo club and inspire the next generation.

Amy Truesdale MBE, who won gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, appeared at the Wallace Centre in Abbey Hulton on Saturday (8 August) to support a local taekwondo club's development day.

Peter Johnson - the head coach of Elite Taekwondo Stoke - previously coached Amy who is also a triple World Champion and a four-time European champion in the sport.

Amy said: "I love coming back because I like trying to pass on my knowledge and inspiring the next generation.

"I was one of these kids when I started out, so I just love coming back to check in and see everyone's development."

Amy, who is originally from Chester, watched as the club's athletes took part in practice fights and board breaking, before taking photographs with the participants.

The paralympian also received her 5th Dan certificate at the event, officially making her a Taekwondo Master.

Amy said: "With Taekwondo, you don't need a fancy facility. You can still get to a world-class level in local clubs in places like Chester and Stoke-on-Trent."

"You can achieve big things regardless of what club that you come from."

The GB athlete also encouraged others interested in the sport to give it a try.

"I think the most important thing is just to give it a go," she said.

"There are lots of coaches that are happy to answer questions, so don't be afraid. They'll give you all the knowledge and all the support you need.

"Just try and have a little bit of fun and then you might find a new skill or a new passion that you didn't know you had before."

Her former coach, Peter, added: "We have had a great event today with our development day in Stoke-on-Trent and we have our superstar Amy Truesdale down.

"She has won everything. We used to train her in Stoke years ago, and now she's on the GB team."

The coach also echoed the encouragement of his "superstar" ex-pupil saying: "Martial Arts and Taekwondo is open to everybody.

"It's for all ages and abilities, and that's what we've got in the club."