I had been thinking, ‘I’ve got to win because I’m Olympic champion’; actually, no, it’s, ‘I’m an Olympic champion for life,’ I can just enjoy the rest. Jade Jones Read Quote
After the Olympics and being on such a high and then losing in the World Championships, I was distraught. But now, looking back on it, I think it was the biggest blessing. I was going into every fight thinking I have to win because I am Olympic champion and putting too much pressure on myself. I lost my hunger and stopped enjoying my taekwondo. Jade Jones Read Quote
Because I am Olympic champion, everyone assumes I am this perfect athlete who should never lose. Every time I step in the ring, I am expected to win. Jade Jones Read Quote
With taekwondo, anything can happen, really. You get bad days; you get good days of training, so you’ve just got to hope that you’re on it on your day. Jade Jones Read Quote
The Olympics was always my be-all and end-all, so when I won, it was the best feeling in the world. But I didn’t realise how much it would affect me mentally. All that pressure. I was only 19; I still didn’t know everything about taekwondo, I wasn’t experienced. I just did amazing on that day and won. Jade Jones Read Quote
To be the first British athlete to win a gold is amazing, but to win it in the U.K. is something else. Also, having my family here with me has made it extra special, and I know all my friends back home have been cheering me on and putting posters in their windows. I want to thank them all. Jade Jones Read Quote
I just like to have cereal in the morning, but it’ll be those cluster things – it’s a bit random – and through the day, I like just pasta, plain pasta with a bit of sauce on it, never too much in case I get a bad belly… and jelly just before I go on for a bit of energy! Jade Jones Read Quote
Everyone has a few little quirks in their preparation – I just tend to do the same sort of things as I did in previous competitions – but there’s nothing too weird, sticking with lucky knickers or socks! For instance, I’ll see my family the day before a fight but won’t see them on the day. Jade Jones Read Quote
