Nottingham Taekwondo star ‘devasted’ by injury before European Championships

Ruebyn Richards was set to represent Great Britain at the European Championships, however after breaking his foot the athlete has had to drop out.

Ruebyn, 22, from Aspley lost out in the Taekwondo World Championships last month.

He was desperate to up his game at the first ever multi-sport event in Baku, which offers Olympic qualification points.

Ruebyn Richards got into the sport when he was four years old, he said: “I really liked the power rangers so my mum took me to a class and I loved it straight away.”

Richards was one of seven chosen to represent Team GB in the sport.

However following a training session, Ruebyn seriously injured his foot.

I broke my foot yesterday and I won’t be competing in Baku. Really devastated about it to be honest!

Ruebyn Richards, Taekwondo athlete.

He said: “I’m uncertain as to whether I’ll need an operation or not so that affects my recovery time quite largely.”

The Taekwondo star is hoping he’ll be able to participate in the Grand Prix series later this year in Manchester.

Richards has had a lot of injuries over the years, but that didn’t stop him getting a European bronze medal last year in Baku.

The Taekwondo inaugural European Championships begins this weekend, however Nottingham’s Great Britain representative will be sitting this one out as he watches from the side lines.