But goodness, it could and probably should have been more. As Cunningham eased into a 6-3 advantage in the first round, it seemed as if this would be a case of another day, another Englishman nicknamed “The Terminator” – and another gold.
As Cunningham sat down to discuss tactics with GB coach Torann Maizeroi, it was too easy to throw the mind forward and believe that it would not just be the moniker he would soon be sharing with Toby Roberts – but the colour of that medal on his chest as well.
If Roberts reached the top by climbing a wall, then Cunningham appears like he could stroll straight through the work of the finest bricklayer. He produced a series of displays staggering in their power, pace and panache to reach the final. Cunningham has been described as “the future of taekwondo” and the overwhelming sense was that the future had arrived early here in the stunning surrounds of the Grand Palais.
Earlier, Cunningham had exacted some national revenge by seeing off world champion Cheick Sallah Cisse. The Ivorian famously beat Lutalo Muhammad to gold in the final second of their final in 2016. Muhammad, who retired two years ago, was here watching and must have felt a ghost had been laid to rest. And that a few more would also be exorcised.
No Briton not named Jade Jones had won an Olympic title since the martial art was first introduced onto the schedule in 2000 and here, finally, was the potential successor, a conviction only strengthened by the fact he had also battled past Cuba’s former double world champion Rafael Alba.
