DORCHESTER Taekwondo ace Aaron Cook could switch international allegiances to represent Moldova for the 2016 Olympic Games.

The 24-year-old county town fighter, a three-time European Champion, has written to the British Olympic Association (BOA) to request clearance to compete for Moldova and could turn out for the country as early as June in a bid to book his place in Rio.

Despite having no believed Moldovan heritage, he has had clearance from the World Taekwondo Federation, after gaining citizenship late last year.

However, to get the swap fast-tracked, he needs approval from the BOA.

A statement from the organisation said: “We are aware of the situation and nationality change request.

"The BOA will be liaising with all parties to carefully consider the request."

Cook was also believed to have turned down interest from countries such as France, Turkey, Costa Rica and Venezuela, as he did not want to thwart another home athlete’s chances of jetting out to Brazil.

He was overlooked by Team GB selectors for the Olympics held in London in 2012.

Instead rival Lutalo Muhammad claimed a bronze medal in the -80kg category, to add to Britain’s impressive medal haul at the Games.

Since being shunned for Muhammad, the Dorset fighter, the current world number one, has not competed in British colours.

Instead, he has represented the Isle of Man in competition, despite still being eligible to return to Team GB in time for Rio.

Cook, who is believed to have taken up the sport after watching hit TV show Power Rangers as a child, has had a rocky relationship with British Taekwondo over the years.

A reported bust-up between the Dorchester man and GB performance director Gary Hall came to light four years ago when Cook decided to leave the national academy and recruit his own coaching team, at the time Hall insisted the door would always be open for him.

Members of the BOA, GB Taekwondo and Cook’s staff held talks in a bid to clear the air in 2014, but discussions were reported to have broken down.

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