Amy Ridgard, quality control inspector at Translift Bendi, was selected as a standby for the British team at the annual Taekwon-Do Scottish Championships. On the last Bank Holiday weekend of May, Amy and fellow students from England travelled up to Motherwell in Scotland to compete in the exciting event.
It was 12 years ago that Amy Ridgard, aged 23, first started training in Taekwon-Do and she was delighted to be chosen for the high profile event after years spent improving her skills and ability.
The atmosphere at the competition was electric, which involved two rounds, with three girls in each opposing team from England and Scotland, but Amy was to find out that not only had she crossed over the border, but was about to join the opposing team too.
At the last minute, the Scottish team revealed that due to injuries they may not be able to take part. However Amy gallantly stepped forward to take a place on the opposing team in order to ensure that they could still take part and the day could continue as planned. This was a surprise change of proceedings that meant England players were competing against one of their own team members - alongside their rivals.
Amy said "it was disappointing not to be able to play together with my own team members from England, but we all felt it was important that everyone could all take part and have a fair round" she continued, "I'm delighted to announce however, that the England team did win the overall event in the end, and so we were all very happy indeed."
It was a proud moment for employer Translift Bendi for whom Amy works as a quality control inspector on their specialist and versatile very narrow aisle (VNA) forklift trucks in Redditch.
Managing Director Simon Brown said "we are extremely impressed with Amy's performance and delighted that a member of our staff was chosen to represent the country in such an exciting sport. We wish her the best of luck in future events and will continue to offer our full support".