Welsh fighter Jade Jones 'leaving no stone unturned' in bid for third taekwondo Olympic gold

Jade Jones won the 2019 Taekwondo World Championships in Manchester, and is a three-time European champion

Two-time Olympic champion Jade Jones says she is "leaving no stone unturned" in her bid to become the first fighter to win three taekwondo gold medals.

The 30-year-old won gold at London 2012 and defended her title at Rio in 2016, but suffered a shock first round defeat at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games.

Jones admits the pressure and expectation was too big a challenge in Tokyo, and is aiming to put things right at the 2024 Games in Paris.

"I'm really excited," said Jones.

"It didn't go to plan in Tokyo and I've got another shot here now, all roads are leading to Paris.

"I've properly chucked everything into it this time. I've moved to Croatia, got a new coach and training partners, I'm leaving no stone unturned.

"It's truly made me appreciate and enjoy the journey.

"It's my fourth Olympics, it gets tedious, it's hard, but this is keeping it fresh and helping me enjoy it and be more grateful."

After back-to-back successes at London and Rio, Jones went to Tokyo heavily fancied to become the first ever taekwondo fighter to win three gold medals.

However, Jones was left close to tears as she suffered a shock defeat against Refugee Team competitor Kimia Alizadeh.

"I didn't really know how to handle the expectations" said Jones.

"Everyone wants a piece of you and it was tough, I've had to learn on the job.

"The expectations got a bit much going to Tokyo, everyone was saying I was going to be the greatest of all time.

"It felt like there was nothing to gain, if I didn't become the greatest of all time then it was a big failure.

"I was going in there with something to lose, not something to win."

Jade Jones was born in Bodelwyddan and was voted the 2012 BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year

The goal of becoming taekwondo's first ever three-time Olympic champion is still something Jones is focused on achieving, but 'The Headhunter' - as she is nicknamed - says she is better place mentally should that not happen.

"This year it's about changing that mindset around and how hard it will be to win a third Olympics," said Jones.

"I'm older, there are young, hungry kids who want to be champion too, so it's only got harder.

"It's about seeing that as the mindset rather than pressure and expectation.

"No one has ever won a third Taekwondo gold at the Olympics, it's never been done so it's obviously hard.

"The best doesn't always win it, it's whoever is best on the day.

"I'm not expecting to win, I'm bringing myself down, it's anyone's to play for. But to have the chance and go there and give my best, I'm excited for the opportunity."

And Jones, who will have her family in the crowd watching her in Paris, says the "fire in her eyes" will be back as she goes for gold once again.

"I don't want to make the same mistakes again that I made in Tokyo," said Jones.

"I wasn't myself, I was scared, I didn't enjoy it and I wasn't ready to win but now is totally different.

"I'm grateful to be on this journey and have another chance.

"I'll be back with fire in my eyes and go out on my sword, I'm ready to win and ready to lose this time."