A taekwondo loving Motherwell teenager is heading to Albania having qualified for the under-21 European Championships.
Eighteen-year-old Rachel Cringles will be representing Great Britain at the championships in October having qualified for the GB squad earlier this year.
And Rachel, who also trains at Vision TKD based at Wishaw Sports Centre, can’t wait to represent her country in a major international tournament for the first time.
She told Lanarkshire Live : “I managed to win one event to qualify and when I got the email through it was great but also a bit of a reality check.
“To be in this squad with the best in the country will keep me motivated.
“I have been training down in Manchester for a few years but nothing was set in stone so this gives me a great opportunity.”
Rachel began training at the age of eight and trains three times per week as well as spending hours in the gym six days per week.
Training at the GB base in Manchester means long drives up and down the M6 for Rachel.
It also gives her the chance to rub shoulders with GB Olympians and she admits that is her ultimate aim.
“It gives me a target as we see the pro’s in the gym and they will also be there holding our kicking targets,” said Rachel.
“It gives us the chance to talk to them and pick up advice and tips. It can really make a difference.”
Rachel’s trips to Albania has been sponsored by Lanarkshire firm Total Control Security and mum Morag is delighted for her daughter’s continued success.
Morag said: “When I was younger I did karate so we tried that for a while but then we got a leaflet for taekwondo so she went along and it’s just went from there.
“It’s taken over her life and she has really dedicated herself to it.
“Her coaches at Vision, Craig and Ross Eden, have been terrific with her, we’re all over the moon.
“To get the chance to train with the GB team and get the opportunity to train alongside some of the Olympic team is fantastic.”
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.
