Jones's rapid progression in taekwondo saw her training professionally for only two years before competing in the 2012 Olympics. She trains up to six hours a day, five days a week, at the National Taekwondo Centre in Manchester under coach Martin Stamper. Her dedication and rigorous training regime have been pivotal to her success.

Achievements and Milestones

Jones's career is marked by numerous accolades. She won gold at the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the first British taekwondoka to achieve this feat. She retained her title at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, making her the first British taekwondoka to win two Olympic gold medals. Her other honours include being named Most Valuable Female Player at the 2019 World Championships and receiving an OBE in the 2020 New Year's Honours list.

Challenges and Injuries

Throughout her career, Jones has faced several challenges, including injuries. A knee injury in March 2016 kept her out of the Dutch Open that year, and she suffered a back injury in 2013. Despite these setbacks, her resilience and determination have kept her at the top of her game.

Personal Life and Interests

Outside of taekwondo, Jones enjoys visiting spas, having massages, and going for afternoon tea. Known as "Headhunter" for her preference to score points from her opponent's head, she has also appeared on British television shows like 'The Jump' and 'Celebs Go Dating'. These experiences have provided a break from her intense training routine and offered valuable life lessons.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Jones aims to win a third Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games and is even considering competing for a fourth gold in Paris 2024. Her ambition is driven by a desire to become a legend in her sport. "No one has ever won three Olympics in a row," she said, highlighting her target for Tokyo.

Maintaining Weight

Competing in the -57kg weight class throughout her senior career has been challenging as she has grown older. Jones admits that maintaining this weight has become increasingly difficult but views it as part of the sacrifice needed to win gold medals.

Influences and Philosophy

Jones credits coach Paul Green as the most influential person in her career and admires British middle-distance runner Kelly Holmes. Her sporting philosophy is simple yet powerful: "I literally am addicted to winning." This mindset has undoubtedly contributed to her numerous successes.

As Jade Jones continues to train and compete, she remains focused on achieving more milestones in taekwondo. Her journey from a young girl learning self-defence to an Olympic champion is a testament to her dedication and passion for the sport.