"It is thanks to the support of National Lottery players, that I have been able to become a full-time, professional athlete."

He started competing in the sport when he was seven, with an ambition to achieve a black belt, but his success has gone beyond that.

Robinson has won a collection of medals during the past three years, including gold at the Commonwealth Championships in 2006 and bronze at the European Championships in 2008.

Even though he finished second in Turkey in the European qualification for Beijing 12 months ago, he did not make the team. But his determination has seen him become the 2009 national champion in the -58kg category, a success achieved in style. On his way to defeating Londoner Romaine Bailey to gold, he needed just five seconds to win an early round before lifting the crown.

He used to work for the family car valeting business and said: "Having the support in paying for my accommodation and bills while training is essential in allowing me to focus on my goals, such as becoming World and Olympic Champion."