Britain's Jade Jones secures taekwondo gold at European Games 2023

Great Britain's Jade Jones has won taekwondo gold at the European Games 2023 after defeating Hungary's Luana Marton in the -57kg final on Saturday 24 June.

The 30-year-old, who rose to prominence when she became Britain's first-ever taekwondo gold medallist at London 2012, was in formidable form, winning both rounds of her final to secure her second European Games victory eight years after her first.

Jones began the day by defeating Iceland's Ingibjorg Gretardottir in the round of 16 before winning her quarterfinal against Spain's Arlet Ortiz Benito.

With all the action taking place on the same day, the Brit disposed of Kristina Tomic of Croatia in the semis before winning the gold medal to add yet another title to her collection.

Jones's gold medal at London 2012 was followed by a second Olympic title at Rio 2016. However, she lost dramatically in the first round in Tokyo, having had difficulty in the build-up to the Games due to the disruption and anxiety caused COVID-19.

But with Paris 2024 just 14 months away, the Flint-raised athlete is back in formidable form as she sounded a warning shot to her rivals at the European Games.

Golds for Spain, Italy and Croatia as taekwondo contest hits top gear 

In the first gold medal match of the day, Croatia's Ivana Duvancic defeated Spain's Alma Perez Parado 2 rounds to 0 to secure gold in the women's -53kg competition. 

Italy's Dennis Baretta was also victorious, lifting the gold medal after a convincing victory over another Croatian, Lovre Brecic in the -63kg category. 

And Spain continued their excellent start to a European Games where they currently sit top of the overall medal table, as Javier Perez Polo beat Britain's John Sinden at -68kg.