At eight-years-old, Amy Truesdale was sent to Taekwondo lessons to work on her self-defence.

The Chester-born competitor had no idea that 28 years later she would be recognised in the New Year Honours list, as a triple world champion and four-time Taekwondo European champion.

Amy was born without a left hand and forearm.

She has won gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympics Games, and has now received an MBE for her services to the sport.

Amy spoke to Chester Nub News about the historic achievement, and the journey it took to get there.

She said: "I started in Chester all those years ago and it has just progressed to becoming an elite Taekwondo athlete.

Amy's parents put her in lessons at eight-years-old to work on her self-defence (Image via: Amy Truesdale)

"I think I was quite inspired by Bruce Lee as a kid, so I used to love practising all the jumping kicks. I just thought it was really dynamic and fun.

"I just took to Taekwondo straight away; I definitely fell in love with it from the first session I went to."

Amy explained to Chester Nub News how her background formed the competitor she is today, as she said: "I think in Chester you know everybody.

"I've had a lot of support and a lot of people following my career for, well, 28 years. So a long time.

"I think that has always kept me going, to prove that even if you are from somewhere quite small, you can achieve whatever you want to.

"Being born with my left hand missing and the way I was brought up, it was quite strict and a bit cruel to be kind, but I think that was done with love to push me. It has definitely helped me."

The Chester-born athlete won gold during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games (Image via: Amy Truesdale)

Amy was at home when she discovered she had been nominated for an MBE, and kept the news quiet despite her excitement.

She said: "I kept it very quiet. I found out in November and told my sister and that was it. I literally told nobody else.

"I think every time I've had a big dream or a big goal, I've achieved it.

"I've always pushed myself in that way."

Working on her own mental resilience has been a huge aspect of her journey as a competitor.

Considering this, she reflected on her performance in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic games, the same year the sport made its debut, where she won a bronze medal.

She said: "Tokyo was a big lesson for me. I allowed everything that was out of my control to sort of consume me.

The Chester-born athlete is focusing on coaching the next generation of athletes alongside competing (Image via: Amy Truesdale)

"My preparation for Paris was focusing on everything that was within my control.

"That was my attitude, my behaviour, training, the commitment I'm putting into training, not getting distracted by other things.

"I had to just go back to basics and focus on what I could control: my commitment to training and competitions."

Thinking about her younger self just starting out, she added: "I would tell myself, don't compare yourself to other people.

"Everyone is on a completely different journey.

"Don't be afraid to ask questions because there's so many people who have got loads of experience. There's lots of role models within our sport so don't be afraid to ask for advice.

"Most importantly, just be present and enjoy it."

Amy is now aiming towards qualifying to compete in 2028 at the Paralympic Games.

She is also focused on passing on her knowledge to the next generation and developing her skills as a coach, which was her job prior to competing professionally.