A WORLD Taekwondo Championship medal is the only thing missing from Lutalo Muhammad’s CV, and the Middlesex University ace is adamant the time is now right to rectify that.

Muhammad has been selected as Great Britain’s male representative in the -87kg category for the upcoming World Championships in Chelyabinsk, Russia, which start on May 12.

The 23-year-old won a bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics, gold at the European Championships in the same year and gold at last year’s Commonwealth Championships, leaving the Worlds as the only major medal missing from his haul.

But, having already won the US Open and finished second at the Turkish Open this season, he looks primed to change that in Russia.

And, with a stack of qualification points for next year’s Olympics in Rio also up for grabs, the need for success is doubly crucial.

“This year is critically important because the Olympics are next year,” said Muhammad.

“So the selectors are going to base their Olympic selection on who’s really had the best year.

“I’m doing very well at the moment, so I just need to keep it going and the World Championships will really be the rubber stamp which can help assure me a place next year.”

The World Taekwondo Grand Prix – featuring the very best Olympic and World Champions from across the globe – is coming to Manchester from October 16-18. Experience the excitement, drama and electrifying atmosphere of this explosive Olympic sport with tickets on sale from May 19 at www.ticketmaster.co.uk/wtgp