A COUNTY champion has been chosen to be the face of this year's European ITF Taekwon-do Championships.

James Moran, who was British champion at the 2014 and 2015 UKTA and BTF Championships, claimed a bronze medal at last year's championship.

This year, the 16-year-old will have the honour of representing the country as captain of the junior team at the competition in Liverpool and is training hard to ensure he will be at his best for the event.

"I can’t wait and I am absolutely determined to make my country proud," said Moran, who trains at Spirit Warrior Taekwon-Do Club.

"The 2017 European ITF Championships are going to be big, a lot bigger than people may think.

"Liverpool is one of the greatest cities in the world and we are all proud to be representing our country there.

"I believe that the legacy the event is going to leave will be massive."

He added: "Making the decision to walk through that door to my first ITF training session was the best decision I’ve ever made.

"When committing to something, the first step is always the hardest part.

"I remember seeing a poster when I was only four and being fascinated with the energy it projected.

"From then on there was no going back and I have now been training for over 12 years.

"Taekwon-Do is a wonderful sport.

"Not only it is great for confidence, mentally and physically, it also teaches you that you can do anything whilst keeping a cool head.

"The sport taught me never take no for an answer, if somebody says you can’t do something, then work hard until you prove them wrong.

"One of the biggest values in Taekwon-Do is that of respect.

"You are also encouraged to ask questions and be curious.

"The more you put into the sport, the more you will get out."

The championships will take place at the Echo Arena from April 24 to 30.