Tae-kwon-do Masterclass

11 August 2011

Alfa Romeo, official car supplier to UK Athletics (UKA), gave three of their top athletes an introduction to Tae-Kwon-Do, the national sport of South Korea, before they head off to the World Championships in Daegu later this month (27 August – 04 September).

Alfa Romeo ambassadors Andy Turner (110m hurdles), Chris Tomlinson (Long Jump) and Tom Parsons (High Jump) took part in the masterclass that was led by Team GB’s Tae-Kwon-Do World Champion Sarah Stevenson and National Champion, Andy Deer.

European and Commonwealth 110m hurdles champion Andy Turner said: “It was fun. I used to go to Tae-Kwon-Do classes when I was about six years old and it was great to have another go with the professionals. It was a shame I couldn’t get involved fully but the World Championships are my priority. I’m looking forward to the competition and hope to take care of business in South Korea.”

UK long jump record holder Chris Tomlinson commented: “It was a fantastic experience and I really got into the Tae-Kwon-Do masterclass. UK Athletics and GB Tae-Kwon-Do will both become part of Team GB next year so it’s great to spend time with some of our country’s leading athletes from other sports before 2012. I’m in good form at the moment and I’m looking forward to the World Championships.”

Sarah Stevenson, who became Tae-Kwon-Do World Champion in South Korea earlier this year, said: “I really enjoyed the day; it was fun to pass on my experience to elite athletes from another sport. I was also able to give them some advice about the food in Korea; it’s great and very healthy but not to everyone’s taste, so they need to make sure that they take some treats with them from home. I wish them good luck in Daegu and will be looking out to see how they get on.”

Damien Dally, Head of Brand, Alfa Romeo UK said: “Alfa Romeo has a long successful sporting heritage and we’re  proud to be the official car supplier to UK Athletics. Along with the Alfa Cloverleaf gifts we’ve given the guys – which have helped bring success to high performance Alfas of the past – we’d like to wish all the athletes the best of luck at the World Championships, and hopefully the Tae-Kwon-Do masterclass has given them a little taster of South Korea before they head off there later this month.”

Visit www.facebook.com/AlfaRomeoUK to view a video and a gallery of images of the Alfa Romeo Tae-Kwon-Do masterclass. 

Alfa Romeo has supported UKA since 2006 and the partnership includes supplying a fleet of vehicles to UKA coaches, staff and athletes, as well as a financial contribution towards the UKA programme.