Ayda Khorshidi | A story of courage and commitment

Two years ago, Ayda Khorshidi made a decision that would change everything.

Leaving behind her home in Iran, she arrived in the United Kingdom with little more than her determination, her family, and a lifelong passion for Taekwondo.

Now living in Eccles with her partner Mohammad and her sister Aysa – both elite athletes themselves – Ayda is not just rebuilding a life, but continuing a journey that began years before.

“I started Taekwondo when I was 13 years old,” she says. “I was very active and playful as a child, so my parents decided to enrol me in Taekwondo – and that’s how my journey began.”

That journey quickly became one of excellence. Ayda rose through the ranks to become a world-class competitor, earning a silver medal at the World Championships in 2022 and securing gold at the Asian Club Championships and the President’s Cup in 2024.

Alongside multiple G1 and G2 medals, her achievements tell the story of an athlete at the very top of her sport – but one who refuses to stand still.

“I’ve earned several G1 and G2 medals, which I’m very proud of, but I’m still hungry for more. I truly believe greater achievements are waiting for me in the future.”

Yet behind those medals lies a far more difficult story, one of resilience in the face of uncertainty.

“Moving to England was one of the biggest challenges of my life. When I came to Manchester, everything was new, especially the language and the weather.”

The physical and emotional toll was evident; injuries disrupted her training, and adapting to her new surroundings took time.

But within that struggle, Ayda found something powerful: community. At Jeon-Sa Taekwondo, she was welcomed not just as an athlete, but as family. Under the guidance of her coach, Nick Brinklow, she found stability, support, and belief.

That sense of belonging has been crucial. Over the past two years, Ayda has rebuilt not just her career, but her life. Along the way she has been supported by coaches, teammates, and her family, who have stood beside her every step of the way.

“At first, it was difficult for my body to adapt to the climate, and I experienced some injuries during training. It took time to adjust.

“Manchester is a very friendly city, and the people here are kind. I also had Coach Nick, who was very patient and supportive, he was like a father or an older brother to me.”

“Taekwondo really helped me settle into life in the UK. It gave me confidence and helped me meet new people. Through training, I made friends and felt part of a community, which made Manchester feel more like home.

“Over the past few years, the Taekwondo community has been incredibly supportive. My coaches, teammates, and family have all encouraged me and helped me improve.”

Now, her journey comes full circle. This weekend, Ayda will step onto the mat at the British International Open, held at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester, the very city she now calls home. Alongside her sister and partner, she will compete not as a visitor, but as part of the community that embraced her.

“The International Open is very exciting, especially because it’s in Manchester, the city I live in. Competing in G-class events with top athletes from around the world is a great challenge, and I feel very happy to compete from my home. It gives me a special feeling.”

Ayda’s story is more than medals and matches. It is a story of courage, commitment, and finding strength through sport. She embodies the Taekwondo spirit as much as anyone who will take to the mats this weekend.

“Taekwondo is not only about sport – it also teaches discipline, effort, respect, confidence, self-control, and determination. Life can be challenging sometimes, and Taekwondo helps you keep going.

“The journey continues, and I will keep moving forward stronger than ever.”

This weekend, when Ayda puts on her dobok and steps onto the mat, she carries more than ambition. She carries her past, her perseverance, and the promise of what lies ahead, and proves that even after life’s biggest upheavals, it is possible to rise again.