Ellie Salmon

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I study Hair, Makeup and Prosthetics at LCF which has been an aspiration of mine since I was 12. My love for the blood, guts and gore of my course was definitely heightened from my training in Taekwon-Do. I started Taekwon-Do when I was 7 years old to keep me fit and active (polite way of saying I was a fat child). Through my childhood years I never really had a love for the sport and tried to quit many times, but I persevered until I got my black belt. I slowly began to love the sport and the relief it gave me but sadly because of GCSEs I felt it was best to have a break. After seeing how downhill my mental health went without my outlet, I returned and progressed better than I ever have done. I competed in my first competition in 2018 which was the ITF European Championships, and I took home two bronze medals. Ever since then I have competed internationally with the ITFU National Squad and the BUTL Student National Squad, umpired and coached others in competitions and met so many inspirational people from all over the world.

What is a typical week for you?

Training can be anywhere from a minimum of 2 training sessions a week to up to 6 times a week. Leading up to a competition there is a lot to consider. I have a weight category to meet which normally means not having as much chocolate and potatoes as I would like. If I’m really far away from my weight category I will begin cutting weight through water restriction and sweat training which I really wouldn’t recommend anyone do as its absolute hell. I also have to have extra training on the weekends with the national squad throughout the year and leading up to international events. Add that to working part time and doing uni work, things can become very hectic, but I love it.

What are your greatest sporting achievements?

I have three main proud moments with Taekwon-Do which have not only encouraged me with my sport but also empower my own self-worth. The first being selected for two national squads, the ITFU National Squad and also the BUTL National Squad. The BUTL is university students only where we not only represent ourselves but also our institution and our country. This is even more impressive as I was only 16 when selected which has never happened before. Another achievement would be when I won silver and bronze representing the country at the 2019 ITFU World Championships in Sardinia after being told I wouldn’t succeed and fail. Bringing home those medals was an amazing feeling and I can’t wait to repeat it when I can compete again. Finally, the thing I am most proud of is my journey as a whole. Through set back and injury, I have always bounced back on my feet even stronger than before. The people I surround myself with at training are always so supportive and without them and my sport, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

Watch Ellie's spotlight video