Walthamstow taekwondo ace Lutalo Muhammad has his sights set on further silverware on the Grand Prix circuit

Olympic bronze medallist Muhammad was dealt a blow earlier this year when a knee injury ruled him out of contention for the World Championships in Russia.

But he battled back, completing a remarkable five-week turnaround post surgery to climb the medal rostrum after finishing third at the inaugural European Games in Baku earlier this month.

That medal came via victory over Italian Roberto Botta in the -80kg category and, given his disrupted preparation, Muhammad had plenty of reasons to smile with his final placing.

The 24-year-old will now enjoy a few calmer weeks before the build up to the Taekwondo World Grand Prix Series starts.

The first takes place in Moscow from August 14-16 before a stop off in Turkey in September, Manchester the following month and then the finale in Mexico in December, with Muhammad determined to return to top form after his encouraging performances in Baku.

“It was a very emotional moment to go to Baku, five weeks post surgery, and to come away with bronze,” he said.

A lot of people supported me and there were times when there was doubts over whether I would make it.

“The fact I was able to compete with the best in the world was great. I really wanted to get a gold for everyone that supported me.

“I tried my best under the circumstances and a bronze medal will have to do for the time being.

“I feel very blessed to be in that position having been injured so recently.

“To come into the competition five weeks after the surgery was a blessing and to take home a medal was amazing.”

While there is plenty of fighting to be done between now and the Grand Prix finale at the end of the year, Muhammad admits a return to home soil for the Manchester Grand Prix at the National Squash Centre between October 16-18 is one he is relishing in particular.

The city holds fond memories for the fighter having won European gold there three years ago as well as the Grand Prix there in 2013.

And Muhammad is determined to draw on the vocal home support once again.

“Manchester 2012 was an amazing experience. The home support made such a difference,” he added.

“I’ll always cherish that memory of winning a gold medal at home, it was an amazing experience.

“The World Grand Prix final, again in Manchester, was another highlight. There were some really tough fights so it was great to finish on top of that podium.”

The World Taekwondo Grand Prix – featuring the very best Olympic and World Champions from across the globe – is coming to Manchester on 16-18 October. Experience the excitement, drama and electrifying atmosphere of this explosive Olympic sport with tickets now on sale at www.ticketmaster.co.uk/wtgp