British taekwondo enjoyed a successful first day at the European Championships yesterday, which kicked-off in the Italian capital of Rome. Britain has taken an eight-strong squad to Rome with four athletes competing yesterday collecting one silver and two bronze medals.

Caroline Fisher (Scorpion Taekwondo Club, Doncaster) won a silver medal in the womans -51Kg category by beating Israel in the semi-finals only to lose out to Brigitte Yague of Spain by 7 points to 2 in the final. Fisher commented, Obviously I am disappointed to get to the final and lose out but Im extremely happy to get a silver medal. Brigitte is a top class fighter and is now a four-time European Champion. Ive worked hard for this medal and I must say a big thank you to my club coach in Doncaster , Peter Adamson, as well as the GB team who have supported me here.

Louise Mair (Elgin Taekwondo Club, Scotland) and Tyrone Robinson (Puma Taekwondo Club, Mansfield) both took bronze medals, losing out to Azerbaijan and Turkey respectively. Mair, who lost her semi-final match by only two points having overcome Spain in the quarter final on sudden death, said, It was a tough semi-final and most of my matches have been very close. The electronic chest protectors have proved difficult to score against compared to what I am used to but Im pleased with a bronze medal never the less.

Gary Hall, Performance Director for British Taekwondo, added, I am really pleased with the way the team has performed today as three medals from 4 competitors is a good start. It is encouraging to see Caroline on the winners podium and making a name for herself which she thoroughly deserves. Weve got 4 more players to compete over the next here days so lets see how we get on.

The squad taking part in the European Championships in Rome is as follows:

MALE
Romaine Bailey -54Kgs (Fusion Taekwondo Club, London)
Tyrone Robinson -58Kgs (Puma Taekwondo Club, Mansfield)
Martin Stamper -62Kgs (Elite Taekwondo Club, Liverpool)
Davoud Etiminani -72Kgs (Fusion Taekwondo Club, London)
Craig Brown -84Kgs (Fusion Taekwondo Club, London)
Adam Corrigan -84Kgs (Allen Taekwondo Club, London)
Mohamma Cho +84Kgs (London)

FEMALE
Louise Mair -47Kgs (Elgin Taekwondo Club, Scotland)
Caroline Fisher -51Kgs (Scorpion Taekwondo Club, Doncaster)