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Carnalea Karate man picks up Bronze medal
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Carnalea karate club has once again proved it can produce world class
athletes.
Assistant instructor Sam Lewis was absolutely delighted to collect a
bronze medal
fighting for Northern Ireland, at last weekend's Belfast International
Karate
Championship. At one stage in the semi final, Sam was leading the World
Silver
medalist, L Comparin from Italy 2-1. He eventually lost 4-2. However in
the fight-off
for third, Sam beat one of the top English fighters and claimed the
bronze medal.
Sam's coach, David Brashaw commented "This is by far the biggest
international
achievement for Sam. The only athlete to beat him is world class.
Sam has now proved just how much he has developed over the last six
months and
can now set his sights on the European Championships to be held in
Venice in June.
All in all it was a fantastic day for Northern Ireland as the rest of
Sam's
teammates claimed the senior ladies team gold, the ladies under 65kg
gold and
ladies open weight gold. David Brashaw, the current WKC World Champion
and
Northern Ireland Kata coach had a very successful day as the first
three places
in the senior mens wado-ryu kata all went to Northern Ireland
competitors.
The highlight of the day was the Northern Ireland senior men's team,
captained
by Northern Ireland kumite coach, Jeff Hillis winning the gold, ahead
of
World Champions Italy, England, Wales, Republic of Ireland, Scotland
etc.
All of the squad were later honoured by Belfast City Council in the
City Hall.
The standard of the competition was very high and following the success
this year,
is very likely to become an annual event. This will ensure karate
athletes in
Northern Ireland go on proving they can compete with the world's best.
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