Amy Truesdale Awarded MBE

Amy Truesdale Awarded an MBE

Amy Truesdale has been recognised for her services and dedication to taekwondo and received her MBE award.

Amy Truesdale, a trailblazing athlete in the world of Para-taekwondo, has recently achieved a remarkable milestone by earning a MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire). An MBE is an award given by the British monarchy to individuals who have made significant contributions to society, often in fields like the arts, sciences, community service, or public service. It is the third-highest level of recognition within the Order of the British Empire, after CBE and OBE.

This accomplishment adds a new dimension to her already impressive profile, which includes being a three-time World Champion, four-time European Champion, and a gold medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Truesdale's dedication to the sport and her development serves as an inspiring example of resilience and ambition.

1. Looking back at your career so far, what moment are you most proud of and why?

There have been a couple of really proud moments for myself in my career so far. Becoming world champion in London in 2017 was a monumental moment as this secured funding for a world class para programme, allowing myself my coach and my teammates to become full-time professional athletes.

Obviously becoming Paralympic champion in Paris is the proudest moment as it was my dream for a very long time!!

2. You’ve broken barriers as a pioneer in the sport—what challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

I feel the challenges I have faced is others putting limitations on me as an individual and as an athlete before actually getting to know me as a person and my capabilities.

I have overcome these barriers by my consistent medal success and shown my capabilities to others.

I have become a role model in Para TKD and demonstrated to other individuals that it is ability not disability that matters!

3. What has been the most valuable lesson Taekwondo has taught you, both in sport and in life?

Taekwondo was taught me how to be disciplined and committed. This has helped me massively as a professional athlete and as an individual outside of sport.

4. What are your current goals, both inside and outside of Taekwondo?

My current goals inside taekwondo is to keep being consistent and developing myself further as an athlete and to qualify for LA.

I am currently developing my coaching skills by studying, coaching taekwondo sessions and doing athlete mentoring in schools.

Once I retire from professional sport I will go into taekwondo coaching so this is an area I'm keen to keep developing now in preparation.

5. Are there any upcoming events or competitions you’re especially excited or focused on right now?

I should be going on a training camp in the summer and then I will be preparing for my championships in October.

6. Can you take us back to the moment you found out you were being awarded an MBE—what was going through your mind?

I found out in November that I was going to be on the New Year's honour's list which is announced at the end of December .

I have had a very long career within taekwondo and I have always said I will receive an MBE one day so I was delighted to be finally recognised for my services to the sport.

7. Receiving an MBE is such a huge honor. What does that recognition mean to you personally and professionally?

Personally This Recognition of Achievement is a powerful acknowledgment from the Crown and the country that my contributions to a sport I have dedicated my life to, has been recognised.

It is an immense personal pride, not just for myself, but my team and family. It is a lasting memory of something that becomes part of my personal story and can inspire future generations.

From a professional point of view it promotes my reputation in my sport.
I feel that am seen as a leader/role model in the para community.

8. How do you hope your MBE and achievements inspire the next generation of athletes, especially in the Para sports community?

I hope this recognition serves as an inspiration to para athletes.

Showing them that with commitment, dedication and hard work, they can achieve greatness both in and outside of sport.

Receiving an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) is a prestigious honor awarded by the British monarchy for outstanding service to the community, arts, sciences, public service, or charitable work.

I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition.

I hope this recognition serves as an inspiration to young athletes and martial artists everywhere.

Showing them that with commitment, dedication and hard work, they can achieve greatness both on and off the mat.

Taekwondo has given me so much, and I have invested 28 years of my life into the sport.

I am committed to continuing to give back and help others reach their full potential.

Thank you all! Keep kicking and Dream BIG 🎖️
-Amy Truesdale MBE

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