DOUBLE Olympic gold medallist Jade Jones is adding a punch to her repertoire.

Flint’s golden girl has showcased the boxing skills she has been learning at the opening of a new charity gym in Holywell,
Toe 2 Toe.

The Taekwondo star has recently posted clips of herself taking part in boxing sparring, fuelling rumours she may be about to take up kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts.

Speaking at the gym opening, she said she was just happy to be learning something new.

“This is my first time doing Thai boxing and it’s amazing to be doing something new,” said Jade.

“Learning the different techniques gives your brain something new to think about.”

Discussing the new gym, she said: “It’s an absolutely amazing facility and I couldn’t believe it when I first came in because it’s like an elite professional gym.

“I will definitely train here again when I’m home from the Manchester academy.

“There’s no big egos here and it’s a really friendly place to train.

“I can definitely recommend the gym and my body is killing me because I’ve had such a good work out,” she said.

Toe 2 Toe’s founder Matt Inskip said he realised his dream of running his own gym after the council agreed to his proposals for the not-for-profit sports facility.

“The idea for the gym started when the library came up as a community asset transfer from Flintshire Council over two years ago,” said Matt.

“All our classes before were done in sports centres but we always wanted our own gym.

“We registered as a charity in November last year and got the keys for the building in January.

“Everyone will be able to train together because every inch of the gym is disabled friendly.

“One of our other key aims is to include children with behaviour problems to improve their confidence and self esteem.

“I teach a member of Jade’s family and I know her dad Gary very well.

“He told me that Jade would be home soon and said he would ask her to try out the gym.

“It’s a real confidence boost for somebody as professional as Jade to say say how good the gym is.

“Jade has great potential and she really enjoyed learning new skills,” he said.

Matt spent almost 1,000 hours renovating and equipping the gym which has a boxing ring, weights room and the latest safety flooring.

And true to his dream of making Toe 2 Toe suitable for all standards the new gym gained the seal of approval from the Olympic star.

Toe 2 Toe will be holding free boxing lessons for children over the summer holidays.

The sessions which include a free meal to promote healthy eating will through bookings only.

For more information call into the Toe 2 Toe gym in North Road, Holywell, or call Matt Inskip on 07563 255791.