Mad For It-Charlie Cant Wait for Greek Lesson

25/04/14 Charlie Maddock prefers actions to words and will let her fists and feet do her talking at this weekend's Greek Open. And just six months into life at the GB Academy, the three-time world kick boxing champion is already coming across loud and clear as a talent for the future. Maddock, 18, won her first WTF Olympic style taekwondo medal at the French Open in Paris last December. Now, the Stoke on Trent born teenager forms part of a youthful, inexperienced but promising 11-strong squad heading to Kos for a key tournament in their development. And Maddock, also a double former European kick boxing gold medallist, is delighted with her progress after coming into the GB programme through the Fighting Chance, Battle4Brazil initiative-a talent identification scheme run in conjunction with UK Sport. "Getting through 'Fighting Chance' was really difficult," admits Maddock. "The transition from kick boxing to where I am now is crazy. "It's been challenging but I'm getting there slowly. To be honest, it's a lot better than I thought. "Everything is so professional and the support we get as athletes is brilliant. Obviously, receiving funding through the National Lottery as well has also been massive for me." Maddock gets back to the Potteries most weekends to catch up with friends and family, including dad, Dave, who persuaded his daughter to swop martial arts codes. In Manchester, she shares a house with fellow athletes and Greek Open squad mates, India Isles from Perth and Scarborough born, Taylor Shaw. "I miss home obviously but I think I have settled in well. We all get on great and share the chores." But housework is on hold for the next few days with the girls in the Mediterranean. However, this will be no holiday! "I'm really excited at getting this chance to compete at the Greek Open," enthuses Maddock. "It's another step in my development and all part of the learning experience."

Londoner Christian McNeish, a silver medallist at the Trelleborg Open in Sweden back in February, is, like Maddock, looking to add to his tally of WTF Olympic style taekwondo medals. Mancunian Jordan Gayle is the most experienced member of the GB squad and wants to make up for his personal disappointment at missing selection to next month's European Championships.

MALE: -58kg Gurpreet Singh (Newham, London) -63kg: Christian McNeish (Plaistow, London) -68kg: Tony Stephenson (Bury), Jordan Gayle (Manchester) -74kg Ben Haines (Portsmouth) -80kg Dan Dowling (Exeter) -87kg Murdo Mackenize (Inverness) +87kg Lyle Walker (Law, Scotland) FEMALE -53kg Charlie Maddock (Stoke on Trent) -67kg Taylor Shaw (Scarborough), India Isles (Perth) For further information contact: Nick Kelly (GB Taekwondo) nick.kelly@gbtaekwondo.co.uk or Trevor Baxter (Red and White Media) +44 7768 846839