By Lisa Deen
Beth Munro is among the favourites to win gold when the taekwondo competition gets underway at the Paris Paralympics on 29 August.
The Welsh fighter surprised everyone, including herself, when she claimed silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, her second international competition.
With a lot more experience and a 2023 European title under her belt, Munro hopes to go one better at Paris 2024.
“Coming to Paris as the world No.1 is the complete reverse of Tokyo,” said Munro, who competes in the women’s -65kg category.
“Paris was always the goal for me. Tokyo was the hidden cherry that I never knew was there to take. I’m glad I got the opportunity and made history.”
Today is the start of the 2024 Paralympic Games! 🇫🇷
Did you know, Team GB 🇬🇧 Paralympic Athlete @BethMunro19 started their sporting days as a Netballer?
Read about her journey below & tune in to watch Beth compete at this years games in Para Taekwondo! Good luck Beth! 👏 pic.twitter.com/coYa6mf2OO
— Wales Netball | Pêl-Rwyd Cymru (@WalesNetball_) August 28, 2024
Since taking the silver medal at Tokyo 2020 and becoming Britain’s first taekwondo medallist at a Paralympic Games, Munro has gained momentum.
“I’ve developed both technically and tactically. I clearly have the successes and the accolades to prove that. I’m hoping I can show the same in Paris.”
She’s not only doing it for herself. Munro wants to pay tribute to coach Anthony Hughes, who died unexpectedly at the end of 2022.
“He was the one who saw the talent within me,” she said.
“He got me into taekwondo and used to call me a silent ninja. I’d love to be able to get the gold in his honour. I know he looks down on me and supports his silent ninja.”
She took silver as a rookie in Tokyo but what can @BethMunro19 achieve in Paris?🥋#Paris2024 #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/6A6Ht00t3X
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) August 27, 2024
Munro does feel the pressure, however.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a label that’s put on me,” she said. “It’s just factual, isn’t it? I know people say I’m expected to win based on my status, but I try to keep that at arm’s length.
“You can try and predict things, but it depends on what happens on the day.”
The 31-year-old Brit will face tough competition, including from defending champion Lisa Kjaer from Denmark.
“Everyone wants to beat the defending champion,” Kjaer said.
“They have to come and take it, because it’s mine. They will have to get up early in the morning if they want it.”
Good luck to all the Paralympians ahead of the start of the Games tonight in Paris.
Liverpool City Region athlete Beth Munro, from Litherland, will be hoping to add to the Taekwondo silver medal she won in Tokyo.
Go @ParalympicsGB @BethMunro19 pic.twitter.com/JmoO4hylBt
— Liverpool City Region (@LpoolCityRegion) August 28, 2024
Read our DS stories on Beth Munro.
Beth Munro Takes Euro Gold And Stays On Track For Paralympic Glory In Paris