In this episode, Lee speaks with Aaron Cook, a three-time European Champion and former World #1 in Taekwondo. Aaron opens up about his career, sharing stories of his intense rivalry and friendship with fellow fighter Damon Sansum , and the "Golden Age" of British Taekwondo. He discusses the difficult and controversial decision to leave the GB Academy to train independently and details the heart-breaking moment he was not selected for the London 2012 Olympics despite being the world number one. Aaron provides an insider's account of the scandal, the legal battles that followed, and the immense toll it took on him and his family.

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:

▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma

▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/

▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios

▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com

▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios

▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

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Erscheinungs­datum: 17.2.2026, 12:00:00