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Girl kickboxer from Plymouth seeks to compete at world level

Girl kickboxer from Plymouth seeks to compete at world level

BBC News19-03-2025

A six year old girl from Plymouth is channelling her energies into qualifying for the Kickboxing Youth World Championships in August 2026. Ivanna started kickboxing at three-and-a-half years old and trains four or five times a week at her dad's studio. After coming second in the National Kickboxing Championships in Nottingham, she now must compete in February in the WAKO National competition, finishing either first or second to qualify to compete next summer. Ivanna's dad Andy said: "We're trying to get her into Team GB and hopefully she will get a space in the near future."
Ivanna's older brother, Alex, has been competing at national level for three years, and Ivanna followed in his footsteps, competing for more than a year. Ivanna recently moved up into the 7-9 age category, even though she is only six and a half.Her dad said he is really proud: "She is doing great for her age, she is always concentrated and focussed, sometimes she needs a little push but that is normal."All in all she is amazing".Andy said he would like to see both of his children competing at the Olympic Games one day.

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A dream come true – Euro 2022 winner Fran Kirby retires from England duty
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