THE INSPIRING JOURNEY OF OLYMPIC TAEKWONDO ATHLETE, BIANCA COOK

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a professional Taekwondo athlete? Meet Bianca Cook, a three-time world champion and Olympic medalist. As one of the most accomplished athletes in her sport, Bianca has not only dominated on the world stage but has also inspired countless others with her dedication and resilience. We sat down with Bianca to explore what drives her success, the challenges she’s overcome and how she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in Taekwondo.

Keep on reading to discover why Bianca’s journey is one worth following, and learn what it takes to stay at the top of your game.

Q. What age were you when you first took up Taekwondo, and at what point did you decide you wanted to pursue a career as a professional athlete?

A. I was 11 years old when I first started Taekwondo and I remember just falling in love with it straight away. It all started when my friend invited me along to an after-school Taekwondo club. Luckily enough, I ended up carrying on and my friend ended up quitting, which was one the one of the biggest regrets that she ever had. I never really knew what the sport was, and I just thought, you know what, I’m going to get into this and I never looked back. Before I knew it, I was on the National Team when I was 15 and I have been there for 18-odd years now.

Q. Were you competing against people of all ages?

A. Yes, so in the club I was competing against people of all ages including cadets, juniors, seniors and advanced people – it was perfect. It was just a normal club that helped get me far. 

Q. Describe to me what it was like competing in the 2016 Rio Olympics?

A. Going to Rio was an incredible experience. Making my Olympic debut was amazing, and it felt great to see all my hard work pay off. Winning a medal was a huge achievement and while I’ve always been honest about wishing it had been gold, I now cherish the fact that I have two Olympic medals that will never be taken away from me. It’s an incredible feeling.

Q. Was it nerve wracking or exciting? Tell me more.

A. The anticipation was exhilarating, as I wondered, “Is it really as wild as everyone says?” Seeing the Olympic village, the lights, and the crowd cheering us on was nothing short of magical. It was an incredible experience. For me, pressure is a privilege, so it’s important to enjoy the moment and seize the opportunity when it arises.

Q. You are a three-time world champion, securing gold from 2015 to 2019. Describe to me how this must feel.

A. Maintaining dominance in a sport as unpredictable as Taekwondo for so long is truly remarkable. It’s not just about the duration; it’s about delivering a top-notch performances every single time.

The consistency required to stay at the top for that extended period is extraordinary. If I was talking about another athlete achieving this, I’d think they were phenomenal and it would be an immense accomplishment. Yet, since it’s me, I might downplay it a bit and say, “I’ve done quite well.” Nevertheless, being the best in the world in my weight class for such a long time is definitely one of the highlights of my career.

Q. What’s it like to interact with Taekwondo athletes from other countries?

A. It’s really nice – you get to know everyone on the circuit because you’re always fighting each other, and you’re literally fighting each other every month. We fight so often and so regularly with the same people again and again, so you get to know each other and become a little Taekwondo family. You can make some rivals out of it, you can make some friends out of it – I feel like one of the good things about travelling around the world is that you experience being surrounded with all different kinds of people in Taekwondo who I will stay in contact with for the rest of my life.

Q. What’s the most uplifting advice you can offer to people who need motivation and inspiration to keep pushing forward?

A. I would definitely say find something that makes you truly happy, because when you do something that you truly do enjoy, it will never feel hard or ever feel like a day’s work in your life. So if you’re happy and you’re passionate about something that you want to go after, then push for it and try to achieve the best that you can for it.

Q. Who has been your biggest influence or mentor in Taekwondo, and why?

A. I would say my psychologist, called Doctor Steve Peters. He is one of the best in the world. He is unbelievable, and he has changed the game for sport and both physically and mentally, and I do think if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be as good as I am or have the titles I have. The Olympics have some of the best athletes, but it’s the people that don’t crack or break on the day that make the difference. It’s a mental game just as much as a physical one.

Q. You were 24 when you first competed in the Olympics, which is a remarkable achievement. Did you find yourself having to make a lot of sacrifices to prepare for this significant event?

A. It definitely did in terms of going out and having a social life, but I would never change it for the world as I have experienced something that someone may never ever do. It might feel like I’ve missed out on that, but I feel like I have gained so much more from it.

Q. What do you do to decompress or switch off after a training session?

A. For me, I love to relax and go to the movies. I love films. I always like to do something different and go out and enjoy restaurants. I think it’s really important to switch off from something that you do every day that is 24/7. Especially when you’re no longer doing it as a hobby and you’re doing it as a full-time job where you have to give everything for it.

Don’t get me wrong, I love training, but sometimes you do need a little bit of downtime and finding something that’s different. I used to play piano but I soon stopped as I was terrible, but at least it was something else to think about instead of Taekwondo, Taekwondo, Taekwondo. 

Q. What’s your go-to song for getting pumped up before a competition?

A. Rocky. The whole soundtrack. I don’t know why. I’ve loved it since day one. I know it’s proper cheesy, but I don’t care.

Q. Who is your biggest influence?

A. I think for me, over the years of sport, the biggest thing I’ve done is be influenced by all the individual athletes who have their own stories and their own challenges. It’s the athletes along the way that I’ve seen in different sports as well and what they’ve gone through and what they’ve achieved and overcome. It’s not just one person, it’s the characteristics of each athlete. 

Q. Do you have a message for anyone who is looking to start out in Taekwondo? 

A. Make sure you enjoy it is key. If you go to a local club, start off by not putting too much pressure on yourself and just have some fun and then you never know where it might lead you. It’s changed my life and made me the person I am today, and I am so grateful for the sport. Give it a go, have fun, and you can’t complain when you’re kicking and screaming all day.

Q. Where do you keep your medals?

A. My mum has a law of attraction cupboard in her house, and contains everything we’ve ever achieved. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is, my mum will always put it in that cupboard.

Bianca Cook’s journey in Taekwondo is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of a positive mindset. Through her experiences, Bianca highlights the importance of finding joy in what you do, staying mentally strong, and surrounding yourself with supportive influences.

Her advice to aspiring athletes and her reflections on her career journey demonstrate that success is not just about the medals but also about the growth, connections, and life lessons gained along the way. Whether you’re looking to start Taekwondo or simply seeking motivation to pursue your own goals, Bianca’s story is an inspiring reminder to push forward with passion and purpose.