Paris 2024: Bianca Cook to represent Isle of Man at taekwondo Euros in Olympics push

Bianca Cook is a two-time Olympic bronze medallist

Bianca Cook will represent the Isle of Man at May's taekwondo European Championships in a late attempt to reach the 2024 Olympic Games.

Only one athlete can represent Great Britain in the women's +67kg division in Paris but two-time Olympic bronze medallist Cook trails Rebecca McGowan.

A strong performance in Serbia could help 32-year-old Cook - nee Walkden - beat McGowan to the spot.

"It is great to have the opportunity to represent the Isle of Man," said Cook.

The three-time world champion added: "My aim is to show my form for selection for Team GB while at the same time representing the Isle of Man in World Taekwondo in competitions including the European Championships."

Liverpool-born Cook, who had surgery on both knees last year, has family from the Isle of Man and while the island is not part of the UK, its citizens are British and athletes are eligible for selection for Great Britain.

Cook has won the European Championships on four occasions and is aiming to win an unprecedented fifth title in Belgrade.

Cook is married to Aaron Cook, who competed for Great Britain at the 2008 Olympics, but was overlooked for London 2012 despite being ranked world number one at the time.

After quitting the GB programme, he switched to represent the Isle of Man and later represented Moldova at the 2016 Olympics.

Bianca Cook will remain part of the GB programme, with performance director Gary Hall saying she retained GB Taekwondo's "full support".