SUMMARY
Born in Doncaster, England, Sarah started to make a name for herself in 1998, by becoming the Junior World Champion, followed by Junior European Champion in 1999.
Sarah then qualified 3rd at the 2000 Summer Olympics Qualification Tournament, drawing the attention of Jackie Chan who sponsored her while promoting Shanghai Noon in the UK. Although not taking a medal in the 2000 Olympics (4th place), Sarah went on to become World Champion in 2001, the first British Taekwondo World Champion ever.
Sarah has since become four times European Champion and World silver medallist in 2005. In 2008, Sarah competed in the Beijing Olympics with the extremely well documented controversy that led to Sarah being eliminated in the quarter finals after the referee failed to recognise clear points scored. The decision was later overturned but with 20 minutes to prepare, Sarah was always up against it. Even after losing this match and injuring her ankle in the process, Sarah came back to win the bronze medal and become one of the most memorable athletes from the Beijing games.
Not only has Sarah shown a consistent ability to compete at the top for a number of years, but has inspired many on and off the mat. She has recently set up ‘Sarah Stevenson Inspires’ which aims to educate and train young, aspiring Taekwondo athletes. Just a further example of why Sarah is a true ambassador to Great British sport.
Sarah’s most recent success came in May 2011 by becoming World Champion for the third time, she is now hot favourite for the gold medal at London 2012.
Major Honours
1998 – Junior World Champion 1999 – Junior European Champion
2000 – Sydney Olympian 4th Place 2001 – Senior World Champion
2002 – Senior European Silver Medallist 2004 – Senior European Silver Medallist
2004 – Athens Olympian 2005 – Senior World Silver Medallist
2005 – Senior European Champion 2006 – Senior European Champion
2006 – Senior Commonwealth Champion2008 – Senior Olympian Bronze Medallist
2009 – British Open Champion 2010 – Senior European Champion
2011 – World Champion
Awards
2006 – Commonwealth Best Fighter of the Tournament
2006 – Taekwondo Athlete of the Year
2008 – Taekwondo Athlete of the Year
