Meet the Dorset-born athlete competing for Moldova in Rio

Aaron Cook is representing Moldova in Rio. Credit: PA

British taekwondo fighter Aaron Cook, who's originally from Dorset, is representing Moldova at the Rio Olympics - but he could end up denying a British competitor a medal.

Cook gained Moldovan citizenship after controversially failing to make the London 2012 Games, even though he was ranked Number One at the time.

Cook's place was given to Lutalo Muhammad who went on to win a Bronze medal.

Since the snub, Cook vowed never to compete for Britain while performance director Gary Hall and chairman Adrian Tranter were still in charge.

The 25-year-old from Dorchester represented the Isle of Man at the European Championship in 2013 and won the title.

He was actively looking for a country to represent in 2016 when Moldova's taekwondo president and billionaire Igor Iuzefovici funded his citizenship.

Aaron Cook was born in Dorchester in Dorset and is a three-time European taekwondo champion. Credit: PA

The British Olympic Association reluctantly allowed Cook's allegiance switch - even though he has no connection with Moldova - after talks to heal the rift with the athlete were unsuccessful.

Now Cook and Muhammad could come face-to-face in Rio, as they are on opposite sides of the draw, and would meet if they both make the final.

Both fighters will begin their campaign for taekwondo gold in the men's - 80kg competition.