Hedaya Malak has eyes on gold medal at Tokyo 2020 after shooting to fame with Rio 2016 bronze
Egypt’s Hedaya Malak says she is dreaming of the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after clinching bronze in the women’s under-75 kilograms event at Rio 2016.The 23-year-old, the African Games champion in 2011, produced a battling display in a tight bronze medal contest against Raheleh Asemani of Belgium, winning by golden point to claim third spot on the podium.
The result marked the best performance of her career to date but she is now targeting further glory in the Japanese capital and beyond.
Malak admitted, however, that it won’t be an easy task, particularly due to the strength of her division, which includes Britain’s two-time Olympic champion Jade Jones.
She also feels psychological preparation is key, claiming the mental side of the sport is what cost other taekwondo players from winning medals in Rio.
"I dream of a gold medal in Tokyo 2020 but this dream requires much preparation, similar to that of the past two years," she told Ahram Online.
