Having claimed silver and bronze in his two Olympic appearances to date, Walthamstow’s Lutalo Muhammad admits he is already dreaming of completing the set with gold in Tokyo next summer.

The 28-year-old taekwondo star - who finished third at London 2012 and second in Rio four years later - has suffered with a string of injuries in recent years that cost him a place at this year’s world championships.

But Muhammad’s first title in nearly four years - in the French Open heavyweight final - has given him renewed belief that he can claim GB’s solitary Olympic place ahead of teammate and rival Mahama Cho, and battle all the way to glory in Japan.

With victory over worlds runner-up Carlos Sansores and London 2012 silver medallist Anthony Obame in Paris, he believes the so-far elusive Olympic gold medal is well within his grasp.

“I can’t describe how amazing it would be - after the bronze and silver - to come home with a gold medal,” Muhammad said. “It would be a dream come true.

“The result in France was a massive result for me going into Tokyo 2020. It was a big statement and the kind I want to continue to make.

“It was a hard road to come back from certain injuries in recent times, so to be back flying now gives me massive confidence for next year and I couldn’t be more excited.

“I know if I carry on performing at my best that the Olympic gold medal is a reality. I’ve just got to keep going, keep focused and trust the great work we’ve been doing.”

Muhammad was speaking at the ceremony for SportsAid’s prestigious One-to-Watch Award, which recognises the achievements of some of the best up-and-coming sporting talent in the UK.

Among the 10 shortlisted athletes was 17-year-old taekwondo World Championship medallist Aaliyah Powell, and Muhammad is buoyed by the rise he has seen in his sport's popularity throughout his career.

With a diverse range of sports being represented at the ceremony, he believes the future of British sport is encouraging ahead of next summer’s Games, and beyond.

He said: “It’s amazing to see how taekwondo has grown since London 2012 and there’s never been a better time to be involved in the sport.

“I remember before my first Olympics not many people I spoke to knew what my sport was, but with the likes of Bianca Walkden and Jade Jones being so successful, we’ve seen the British public really get behind the sport.

“To see Aaliyah and the nine other athletes nominated shows the future of taekwondo and British sport in general is bright and it’s a pleasure to see.

“Hopefully that just continues to grow and grow. The goal in Tokyo is to progress from Rio and with the buzz and energy I’ve seen, I’m confident we can do that as a team.”

SportsAid’s prestigious One-to-Watch Award was presented at the charity’s Celebrate the Next event, sponsored by the Royal Bank of Canada, in London. Please visit www.sportsaid.org.uk for further information.