The 19-year-old from Wales proved one of the stars of the Games as she won Britain's first ever taekwondo Olympic gold medal in the women's 57 kg category by defeating China's Hou Yuzhuo 6-4.

The victory earned Jones celebrity status and even though she admits it has been hard to juggle her lifestyle with training, she wants to win gold at the World Championships, which take place from June 17 until 23, after taking silver at the 2011 edition of the event.

"I haven't been as motivated as I used to be," she said.

"It's that hunger that made me win the Olympics so I need to get that back.

"Next year though I expect it will come back, especially as I want to become world champion for the first time."

Jones, who has now returned to full training at the GB Academy in Newton Heath, was one of the many London 2012 stars to be rewarded in the Queen's New Year Honour's list as she was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) and she said the accolade has helped her round off a perfect year.


"I was quite shocked when I heard the news," said Jones, who was also voted BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year.

"I certainly didn't expect it but it rounds off a perfect year.

"To have an MBE at 19 is just amazing.

"Maybe if I win another Olympics I can become a Dame!

"I always hoped 2012 would be this good but I never imagined how it would turn out.

"It has just kept getting better and better.

"Just when you think nothing else can happen, something comes along like this MBE."

GB Performance Director Gary Hall has saluted Jones' award.

"This is a great honour for Jade but also for the staff that have contributed to her success," he said.

"And it is great for taekwondo to be recognised again.

"Sarah Stevenson won an MBE last year and hopefully there will be a few more recognised in the years to come."

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